Herndon — Herndon Elementary School fed a traditional Thanksgiving meal to over 1,200 people who walked through its cafeteria doors on Thursday, Nov. 17, during its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon—a longstanding fall tradition for the school.

Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans were served to its 850 students, 100 staff members and nearly 300 immediate family members of the students who were invited for the special occasion.

The Herndon Police Department and other community dignitaries were invited to join the parents, teachers and students, including Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville).

Decorated tables were set off to the side for the special guests, but the police officers opted to mingle with students and sit with those whose family members couldn’t attend.

“The police are very supportive of the school and community as a whole,” says Nancy Cassidy, an office assistant in the main office of the elementary school. “I think they’re very good at community outreach.”

She says police officers come every Friday to help pack bags for the school’s Weekend Backpack Program, a program that provides children in need with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food at times when school resources are unavailable, such as weekends and during school vacations.

“The kids love seeing them,” Cassidy says.

Cassidy has been working at the school for 26 years. Before that, she regularly volunteered with the school for five years. She recalls that the school has been serving the Thanksgiving lunch ever since she could remember.

While she won’t take any credit for organizing the luncheon, Tiffany Bryant, a counselor with the school, says she deserves it all.

“All credit goes to Nancy,” says Bryant. “She makes it special, from scheduling, decorating to invitations.”