On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Saint Joseph School gathered as one faith-filled family for its annual Thanksgiving Feast—one of the most cherished traditions of the school year. For the occasion, the school gymnasium was transformed into a warm and welcoming dining area, complete with two buffet lines to serve more than 300 students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Principal, Mrs. Beth Boudreau, opened the celebration by welcoming students, guests, and the many parent volunteers whose generosity and teamwork made the day possible. Mrs. Boudreau also offered heartfelt thanks to school chef Mr. Keith Lukasek, who spent hours preparing a delicious turkey dinner for the entire community.
The feast was made even more special by the presence of honored guests, including benefactors John and Jane Gogolinski, Dr. John Kalinowski, and Mrs. Marilyn Fels. Members of the Saint Joseph School Consultative Board were also in attendance, including Chairwoman Mrs. Catherine Kabala and her husband Stanley, and Vice Chairperson Mr. Donald Cushing. The Parish Council was represented by Mrs. Nancy Dowgiewicz and her husband Mark, and Mrs. Gosia Kicilinski and Robert Wojcik. Co-Chairperson Krystal Kolesnik represented the SJS Home and School Association. Saint Joseph School also welcomed community safety partners from the Webster Fire Department including Chief Brian Hickey, Chief Jeffrey Saad, and several firefighters.
Following introductions, Pastor and Headmaster Fr. Richard Polek led the community in a meaningful Thanksgiving Prayer, encouraging gratitude for God’s gifts and awareness of those in need. Afterward, parent volunteers served a traditional meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and butternut squash, with 8th graders delivering plates to guests and students, exemplifying leadership and service.
After dinner, the assembly continued with a heartfelt presentation honoring retired Fire Chief Brian Hickey for his 43 years of dedicated service to the Town of Webster. Student Council President Mychael Jones and Vice President Tenleigh Dowd expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire community, recognizing Chief Hickey’s steadfast commitment to protecting and caring for their school family.
They presented a plaque to Chief Hickey, inscribed with the following: “In grateful recognition of 43 years of dedicated service and steadfast commitment to the safety of the Saint Joseph School community. With heartfelt thanks from the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Joseph School. May God richly bless you in your retirement and always.”
The celebration concluded on a joyful note, as the Saint Joseph School Choir led the community in song with “Trading My Sorrows”—a spirited reminder of faith, gratitude, and the strength found in togetherness.
