Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

Our staff hopes you’re all enjoying the day, no matter how you celebrate, and we’re so grateful for all the support over the last 17 years.

Here in Happy Valley, we’re extra thankful for Terry Smith this year.

Abby Neely

Family. Friends. Pickles Country Night.

Alex Smith

I am thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones! I am so grateful for my mom and dad, who have always been my biggest fans! I am also so thankful for Penn State. I found out on Thanksgiving on my senior year of high school that I was accepted, and I will always be grateful for Penn State. To my loved ones and friends, you are cherished more than you know. I am also thankful for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov (my cat and the player). Happy Thanksgiving, Blog!

Alex Wilczynski

I’m thankful to be a part of Onward State and to be surrounded by such an inspiring community that pushes me to grow, create, and connect with Penn State in a deeper and more meaningful way. Being surrounded by so many talented and passionate people helps me become a better person every day!

Along with that, I’m also extremely thankful for my friends and family, who are always supportive, encouraging, and there for me no matter what!

Ally Eaton

This year, I’m thankful for the Banana Cloud Latte at LaLa Land Cafe.

Ashley Connington

This year, I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my boyfriend, London, and my dog Maverick.

And, of course, Goodles mac and cheese. Thank you for getting me through the semester.

Brandon Collica

Terry Smith, Terry Smith, and Terry Smith

Brandon Hurley

The opportunity to do what I love with an amazing group of people every day at Penn State, Panda Express, and my family.

Brian Kriley

Terry Smith.

Brooke Bilski

I am thankful for my friends and family!

Cadyn Gill

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all the meaningful people in my life who bring me happiness. Our world is difficult and unforgiving, but having so many special people who support me, bring me joy, and make me feel loved is something I will never take for granted. Whether it’s going on dates with my partner or playing intramural flag football with my best friends, these people give me more than anything I could ask for.

Christian Gresko

Super thankful for my family and friends who have supported me throughout my life. A strong support system is something I could never take for granted. The passion that I’ve chosen wouldn’t be possible without my father driving me around to take photos before I had my car. Super thankful for finding what I love doing (photography). It was one of those things that I didn’t have to question. I automatically knew it was my passion. It has taken me places I couldn’t even imagine, and I am very thankful for that.

CJ Gill

I am thankful for Terry Smith and, specifically, him bringing some excitement back to Penn State football these past few weeks. Thank you, Terry!

Clare Colgan

I am thankful for my friends, family, country music, tailgates, Chick-fil-A lemonade, and my weighted stuffed animals.

Collin Ward

There are two things I am most thankful for in the world. My dogs, Ziggy and Finley. My family got Finley first. She is older and can’t move around much anymore, but she still loves us. She loves being scratched behind the ears and gets a little smile on her face when you give her.

Ziggy, on the other hand, is a COVID puppy. She is a little golden retriever with a ton of positive energy. When I come home from school, she is always the first to greet me, running out to the car, squirming around, asking for belly rubs and kisses. Her energy is always good, and she loves to play. As I am writing this, she just ran into my room to ask to play with her two ducks.

I am thankful for my dogs because of their unconditional love. No matter how bad or good a day they are having, they are willing to sit down and listen to you. While I wish I could have every dog in the world, I am beyond thankful for the two best in the world, Finley and Ziggy.

Cooper Cazares

Family, Friends, Cael Sanderson, Doggies Pizza, Jayden Daniels…and Brendan Wagner

Daegan Walker

My family, my friends, and Andrei Vasilevskiy for carrying the Tampa Bay Lightning this season.

Ella Wehmeyer

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for so much. I’m thankful for family, friends, photography, dogs, cats, Onward State, Penn State, Tuesday nights with my best friend, a good playlist, being roommates with Tia, a hot shower, country music, a day off, a sunny day, and so much more.

I have such an amazing set of friends and family who have supported me through pretty much everything I’ve done. I’m thankful I took the chance to come to Penn State and that I’ve been a part of Onward State for over a year now. It has genuinely been so amazing. I’m so happy I’ve met so many wonderful people through it (you know who you lovely people are) and gotten so many amazing opportunities and experiences.

I’m so happy I got closer with who I now consider to be my best friend, Nikki, whom a year ago I hadn’t talked to much at all a year ago. I’m so thankful I got put in Pollock in Mifflin Hall and got roped into such great friends right down the hall from me, one of whom will be my roomie next year. Love you, Charlotte, Maggie, Liv, Leah, Matt, and Devin!

I’m so thankful Tia said yes to being my roommate last fall because I couldn’t imagine rooming with anyone better.

I’m thankful I was born into such a great and chaotic family. Although sometimes I say I would, I genuinely wouldn’t change it for the world. I have so many things to be thankful for, so this is just to name a few.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Emily Bonavita

This Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful for my family, friends, the Penn State community, Pittsburgh, good health, and chai tea lattes. I’m especially thankful for this semester, as it has given me many new friendships and opportunities.

Emma Bannister

I am thankful for my family and friends, and for their health, safety, and support. I am grateful to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of the people that I love. As a senior, I am especially thankful for my experience at Penn State for making me who I am today and for being the place I have been proud to call home for the past four years.

Ericka Apolskis

I am thankful for my family, friends, self-tan, invisible texts, hotdogs, TikTok shop, the Indianapolis Colts, Shaquille O’Neal, my bob, and shots. (Of espresso).

Fernando Martinez

I can’t believe this will be the last time I write this. As a senior at Penn State, I’m thankful for so many things in my life, but I’ll save most of that for my senior column in April.

First off, I am thankful for family, especially my parents and brother. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them, and I thank them for always supporting me on my journey. I’m thankful for all my friends here at Penn State. These have been the best four years of my life, and I’m thankful for all the memories and experiences I’ve made along the way.

Additionally, I’m thankful for the opportunities that have been provided to me at Penn State, including Onward State, the Sports Business Club, and 360 Sports. They have allowed me to showcase my abilities, do the things that I enjoy the most, and have the opportunity to meet so many great people.

Lastly, I’m thankful to Penn State Athletics (except this year), all the sports teams I root for, the bars at Penn State, Lionel Messi, and, most importantly, writing sports.

Hannah Fuller

This year, I’m thankful for so many things, but to keep it short: I’m thankful for Doggies pizza, Tia Kaschauer, Tessa Torres-Hoffman, Ryan Mac, bible study with Joe Keiser, Wine Wednesday, and Matthew Novick

Hannah Guidotti

SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR! Of course, family and friends, my support system. That includes my parents, brothers, aunts and uncles, cousins, home friends and school friends, especially roommates, the future, pod people, OS girls, and of COURSE all of blog. Onward State has given me some of my best friends, opportunities, and memories I could’ve ever asked for. And duhhh, Saquon again, but also Olivia Dean.

Jack Anderson-Jussen

My friends, my family, and all the loved ones who have made this year so amazing.

Jacob Zacharia

I’m thankful for the opportunities that have come my way this semester and all of the people I’ve been able to meet. A lot of new faces, memories, and development, so I’m very thankful for the new experiences

James Russell

I’m thankful for so many things. There’s nothing better than a cup of coffee in the morning or a Sunday dedicated to RedZone. I adore music, and I’m so thankful for guitars. I’m thankful for movies, especially All the President’s Men. The great staff we have here at Onward State, and our style guide. Long live the Oxford comma! But most importantly, I’m most thankful for my friends and family, I wouldn’t be anywhere without them! Happy Thanksgiving!

Jamie Lynch

I’m thankful for my balcony at Cedarbrook. Being able to sit outside every day and look out at the school I call home is a gift. Nothing beats a Beaver Avenue sunset from five stories up, or a balcony brew on a late summer evening. I’m grateful for my roommates, Ben, Alex, and Clayton, and our favorite security guard, Lisa.

Jason Perry

I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my dog. I’m thankful for Penn State University and all the opportunities I have as a student, including writing for Onward State. I’m thankful for Penn State football, especially Terry Smith (please hire him). I’m thankful for sports in general, even though all my favorite teams have disappointed this year. Finally, I’m thankful for Thanksgiving dinner and five straight days of football.

Jayla Nartatez

There are so many things in my life that I am thankful for. I am thankful for my mom, my dad, my two brothers, my new sister-in law, and everyone in my family. Without my family’s love and support, I would not be where I am. Every day, I wake up thankful that God has given me another day on earth and for everything that he has blessed me with.

I am thankful for my last four years at Penn State, I am thankful for Onward State, and I am thankful for whatever the future holds

Jess Farhat

I’m thankful for my friends and family and a really good cheeseburger from Sauly Boy’s. As always, a nice cold can of Coca-Cola and the Philadelphia Eagles!

Julia Romankow

Pickles and home-cooked food.

Karlee Feger

I am thankful for my family and their endless support throughout every journey and Penn State for so many incredible opportunities that I would have never thought would be possible.

Kayla Wakeley

I have so much to be thankful for, so I’ll try to sum everything up! As always, I’m thankful for my family and friends back home who continue to provide endless amounts of support despite being 4 hours away. I’m so beyond thankful for all the opportunities Penn State has brought me, including my internship, friends, clubs, and this blog, of course. I’m also really thankful for my boyfriend, who has been such a steady and supportive part of my life this year. This year, I’m especially thankful for the new Wicked movie. I have, in fact, been changed for good.

Kennedy Jones

This Thanksgiving, there’s truly so much to be thankful for. As always, I’m thankful for my absolutely amazing roommates and all of my friends at Penn State. I’m also thankful for my parents and my friends from home who will always make the drive to State College to visit me. Lastly, always thankful for Onward State and all of the other opportunities Penn State has given to me.

On a less serious note, here’s a list of things I’m thankful for: Coca-Cola, Starbucks blonde vanilla lattes, Doggie’s pizza after a night out, baseball, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Tadashi, Trader Joe’s, and Aaron Judge.

Lauren Gruca

This year, I have so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful for the friends and family who keep me grounded and support me no matter what. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Penn State and for the people who’ve made the experience meaningful. Having the best people around me, both at home and on campus, has been one of the best parts of this year. I’m thankful for my amazing roommates who make living so far away from home feel just like home. I’m also thankful for all the photographers and comm majors here at Penn State who have been a huge support to me and my biggest inspirations. And finally, of course, the Chicago sports teams. Go Bears and beat the Eagles tomorrow!

Lily Mogk

My amazing friends. Hey Shannon!

Liv Pulak

Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Chai Lattes. They keep me alive.

Lyndsay Camp

I am thankful for the love and support my family gives me every single day. I am thankful for all of the opportunities provided to me this year.

Madison Sosnowski

While I’m thankful for my friends, my family, and my girlfriend, discovering the Federal Taphouse Pretzel this semester might top the list right now. I truly crave this pretzel every single day and recommend it to literally everyone I meet. The flavor is top-tier, and honestly, if I could have it served as my Thanksgiving meal, I would.

Maggie Alderisio

I am so thankful for my roommates, insulin, Planet Fitness tanning beds, MathGPT, Jaxson Dart, our balcony overlooking the abandoned motel, my hamster, Half Apps at Applebees, Phi Sig, my family, and, of course, Blog.

Malea Nadeo

This year, I have an endless list of things and people to be thankful for, and since I can’t legally force you to read a novel-length gratitude speech, I’ve narrowed it down to the most important ones.

I’m thankful for my parents, my sister, my dogs, and my wonderful family. Having a giant support system during this chaotic era of life makes everything so much easier. Pumpkin and Daisy, you two don’t actually provide emotional support — or any support — but you’re cute and that counts.

I’m also thankful for my at-home friends — Laney, Sarah, Shawn, Lauren, Matt, Abby, Logan, Owen, Jonah, Gibby, Liv, Riley, and Ashley. You guys are the reason going home feels like stepping right back into the same inside jokes, the same chaos, and the same group dynamic where absolutely nobody lets me forget anything embarrassing I’ve ever done. Truly blessed.

I’m thankful for Penn State. Happy Valley has given me an amazing education, unforgettable opportunities, and some absolutely unhinged people I now consider best friends. Shoutout to Issy, Maisie, Indy, Wiki, Noah, Declan, and Lila for making school a place I actually want to be. Shoutout to the blog for bringing some of the funniest, most chaotic people into my life this year. And shoutout to Penn State football for raising my blood pressure, emotionally traumatizing me, and also giving me the occasional reason to celebrate — Terry Smith, this is also a thank-you to you personally.

And finally, I’m thankful for my one true love: Taco Bell. No one — and I mean no one — can turn my day around as you can. Through all our ups and downs (mostly caused by you), I know you’ll always be there for me at any hour of the night. Your beautiful green Baja Blasts and Cantina Chicken Tacos are the closest thing to romance I’ve experienced this semester. I love you, forever and always. Please never change.

That’s it. I’m thankful. Love you all. Happy Thanksgiving. Go State.

McKenna Murphy

Right now, there is an endless amount of things to be thankful for. This includes my health, my family, my boyfriend, my ginger cat named Mango, and the fact that it is almost Christmas time (the best time of year).

Despite it being my senior year, I am overwhelmingly thankful that my mom still answers my daily FaceTime calls in between classes. I am thankful for the life-long friends that I have made at Penn State, as I could not have asked for a better group of people to go through this college experience with. Most importantly, I am thankful for the Federal Taphouse, the Atherton study lounge, and the stacks, as these three wonderful spaces have been like a second home for me these past four years.

As someone who is currently unsure of what her life will look like after graduation, I am thankful and excited for this uncertainty, and cannot wait to see where life will lead me. No matter what happens after my departure from Penn State, I am thankful to have the best support system to encourage me every step of the way.

Melaine Thalhimer

I’m thankful for my sweet friends and my family, who are the best support system I could ask for. I’m thankful for Penn State and the community I get to be part of every day. I’m thankful for dance, my internship, and Onward State. Most of all, I’m thankful for good health and genuine happiness.

Michael Siroty

This year, I’m feeling especially thankful for my family that supports me no matter what and my friends who are always there for me to talk about college sports. From my family to friends from home and Penn State, there are so many people around me that make my life what it is, and without them, I would probably be a disaster. I’d also like to thank all the people who’ve given me opportunities to go after my dreams and guided me in the right direction to thrive with those opportunities.

Aside from the amazing people in my life, I’m thankful this year for root beer, quarter zips, New Jersey bagels, crisp fall weather, Spotify, Penn State athletics, sunsets, Christmas lights, sweatpants, my five-year-old Apple Watch, and Chinese food. There is, without a doubt, a lot that I’m forgetting right now since my brain is solely focused on how much food I can put down at Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Thank you to everyone and everything that allows me to be proud of the life I’m living. Happy Thanksgiving!

Michael Zeno

I am thankful for: My parents, my siblings, my nieces and nephews, my aunts and uncles, my dog (Barkley), my friends, hockey beat, Terry Smith, Kaytron Allen, every football player that doesn’t leave in the portal, Cael Sanderson, Gavin McKenna, Aaron Judge, Jalen Brunson, Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Abdul Carter.

Oh yeah, also Penn State and the blog.

Nathaniel Yerage

I’m thankful for being lucky enough to be this lucky. Without going in to all of it, I have great friends, great family, and haven’t had any rough patches worth crying about. And, beyond all that, I’m lucky enough to see all of this. If that’s not worth being thankful for, I’m not sure what is.

Olivia Hess

I am thankful for my friends, family, and everyone in between for filling this year with unforgettable memories. I’m truly lucky to know love in so many places, especially at Pump Station Café.

Oscar Orellana

I’m thankful for the constant and unconditional support from my wonderful family and girlfriend. It’s been a long semester, but knowing I have all of them in my corner makes every day a little easier.

I’m thankful for all of the experiences I’ve had this year. Traveling to different towns to cover Penn State football has been a dream and I don’t take a second of it for granted.

I’m thankful to be a student. Not everyone has an opportunity to study and be within large institutions like Penn State, and I don’t lose sight of my privilege in calling this place my home away from home.

I’m thankful for Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Jared Verse, yron Young, Harrison Mevis, Ethan Evans, and GABE NWOSU.

Peter Williams

I am thankful for the opportunity to study at Penn State and for being fortunate enough to have received a great education that prepared me so well for being in college. I’m also thankful for getting football season tickets, which truly allowed me to experience and enjoy my first semester here so far. Lastly, I’m thankful for getting to be a photographer for Onward State and for everyone that supports my photography.x

Peyton Stagliano

Wow, there is so much to be thankful for this year. To start, I am thankful for all of my family. I am especially thankful for my parents, who support me in everything I do. I am thankful for Irene, who picks up every single phone call when I need her. I am thankful to Sam for keeping my life interesting. I am thankful for Kendall, who reads every single article of mine and texts me about it. I am thankful for Vedanth, who never fails to make me resent Virginia Tech. I am thankful for Bella and Liv for being my support system in State College. I am thankful for Bella, Brooklyn, Allyra, and Abby for having me over every Tuesday for dancing with the stars. I am thankful to be able to call State College home. It truly is my happy place and has allowed me to grow so much as a person. I am thankful for Onward State for giving me a platform to share my voice and do what I love. I am thankful to be home for Thanksgiving so I can spend the holiday with the people I love. Shout out to my Langberg family. Lastly, I am thankful for all of you who support Onward. I always love hearing people say they read our articles. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Ryan Smith

As always, I am thankful for my family and friends who support me with everything I do. But I am also thankful for: Monte Carlo’s Pizza, My Front Porch, Podward State, The Red Link, Strava, Terry Smith, NYT Games, the new season of Stranger Things, Coop On The Stoop, Saxbys’ new menu, The Spotify DJ, Surfside Lemonades, Lopresti/Smith Tailgates, The Downtown Planet Fitness, hearing the Old Main bells on campus, and ofcourse, Onward State. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sammy Layman

Chipotle

Sarah Nasif

I am thankful for Terry Smith.

Sean Regenye

There’s plenty to be thankful for this holiday season, but I’ll focus on the people in my life who keep me going. I’m grateful to spend my Thanksgiving with a full, happy family. They have always been my greatest supporters, including my extended family that reads every word I write.

Additionally, my close friends at school and at home, while they do occasionally get on my nerves, always keep me on my toes and light-spirited. It’s hard to take life seriously with them, and that’s a blessing.

Sophie Yadzinski

First and foremost, I am thankful for my family, friends, education, and good health. I am especially grateful to my mom, dad, and grandfather for providing me with the opportunity to get a great education and pursue my dreams. With graduation right around the corner, I’m starting to get that bittersweet feeling that my time at Penn State is coming to an end. With that being said, I am thankful to have a place that makes saying goodbye so difficult. Ultimately, I’m thankful for the home and community I found in State College, Pennsylvania.

Also want to give a special shoutout to my dog, Tee Wrecks. She may be crazy and destructive at times, but she’s my perfect angel baby.

On a less serious note, I am thankful for Terry Smith, PMans Thursdays, bacon, my little college house, green beans, Kayden Mingo, Beaver Stadium, Josh Allen, my camera, Angry Orchards, invisible ink text, Outlook Calendar, Adobe Lightroom, Slack, my roommates’ espresso machine, and blueberry pancakes.

Sylvia Prebor

I’m thankful for the people in my life, the places I get to visit, and the things I get to experience! Oh and also Goodles mac n cheese!

Taylor McDonald

I’m thankful for the constant support of my friends and family, as well as the great health surrounding them! I’m also thankful for the incredible opportunities I’ve been given this past year and the different experiences I’ve had.

Tessa Torres-Hoffman

My family, friends, Starbucks, and Taco Bell.