Student Government Hosts Thanksgiving Feast in McMinnville

By Jordan Donalson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. – The Student Government Association hosted a Thanksgiving Feast on the McMinnville campus on Nov. 20, serving chicken, dressing and all the trimmings that fed more than 100 students and faculty members.

             The event started at 11 a.m. Monday and lasted until 1:30 p.m. Student Government Association members prepared the Thanksgiving food for the event. SGA members who helped serve during the event included Kendra Rymer, Erian Atterson, Dakota Cool, and Secretary Naily Ontiveros.  All serve members on the McMinnville Campus.

            The festive meal included homemade edibles such as chicken and dressing, ham, sweet potatoes, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. Attendees also enjoyed cookies, pies and drinks.

            The food was bought by the Student Government Association. Members met and cooked the food. Two tables were set up with the main foods and the trimmings, the desserts and drinks. They also helped with clean up and prepared take- home meals for others, washed dishes, and took down the tables.

            “The food was really good, and it was very nice of the Student Government Association to take time out of their day to host this event,” said a Motlow State Community College Professor Larry Flatt.

            According to SGA Vice President Natasha Heaton, students and faculty are looking forward to the organization’s next event. The organization’s “Ugly Sweater Dress-Up Day” will occur from Dec. 5-6.  The student who wears the ugliest sweater will win a gift card from Topz Frozen Yogurt in McMinnville.

            “Our plan was to give back to our students and faculty members at this campus during the harvest season,” said Stephanie Jones, a member of the Student Government Association.

            At the beginning of the meal, Secretary Naily Ontiveros welcomed everyone to the event. She said she was very excited that everyone was there.  During the event, the movie “Home Alone” played in the background. Students and faculty members were able to enjoy their meal and watch the movie.

            “We also would like for the students to feel comfortable within our campus environment,” said Natasha Heaton.  

            Heaton explained that the event was held to help build a community for students and others on the McMinnville campus. SGA members planned the meal well before the Thanksgiving holiday.

            “The events that we host are free, and the students know they are able to get a meal in between classes,” said Heaton.

            She said she hopes that Thanksgiving Feast will become an annual tradition.

“The outcome was tremendous, and we tried to implement things from the past that have worked out really well,” said Heaton.

            The Student Government Association hosted a similar event around Christmas during the 2016 fall semester. More than 100 students and faculty members were treated to a holiday dinner. Items included homemade turkey, ham, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Attendees also enjoyed desserts such as cookies, pies and brownies.  

            “I am very proud of the ladies who volunteered their time exuding selflessness throughout the planning, preparation and serving of the event,” said Heaton.