The Turkey Trot: Fun or Not?

By: Aarush Vakalapudi

Each year, Tower Hill holds the annual Turkey Trot, an event where the Upper School gathers to walk around Rockford Park. It usually takes place the day before Thanksgiving Break begins, but excitement builds leading up to the event.

The week of the trot, Ms. Wrambel brings turkey trivia with her to morning meeting. Although the questions aren’t something you prepare for, this year’s winners got the answers pretty quickly, whether it was due to sheer luck or actually knowing the answer. In return, they were given turkey bucks, which they traded in for Turkey Trot spirit wear.

As for how students feel about the Turkey Trot, however, they usually fall one of two ways.

First, there are supporters of the Turkey Trot: people who claim that it’s nice to talk to friends and enjoy a break from the classroom. “I was surprisingly thankful for the great breath of fresh air,” said Junior Fraser Johnson. “Despite the rainy weather, I had a really nice time.”

Sophomore Eva Cai humorously added, “It’s a time during school where I’m not juggling five different assignments at once, what’s there not to love?” It’s clear that the Turkey Trot is a beloved tradition to many, a time to relax and unwind before Thanksgiving break officially begins.  

At the same time, there are also people who think that the Turkey Trot isn’t very meaningful. “Over the years, the Turkey Trot has begun to feel like a waste of time,” Junior Vivian Wan says. “Sure, it’s nice to go outside and get some fresh air, but I don’t understand how taking a lap around Rockford Park builds school spirit,” she continued. Junior Maya Warthen shared similar sentiments, stating “It was cold and beginning to rain this year. I don’t think that anyone was in the mood for the Turkey Trot, and I only saw like 4 people running.” 

It’s clear that people have strong feelings about the Turkey Trot, but at the end of the day, it’s a unique way our school tries to incorporate some excitement and fun before Thanksgiving break. As Junior Izzy Daniel puts it, “The Turkey Trot brings the community together and allows us to reflect on the things we are thankful for each year. I think it’s important not just for the school, but for ourselves as well.”