What “friendsgiving” is complete without green eggs and ham?

Luckily, Timmy Aston, a student at Oak Harbor Public Schools’ exceptional academy, didn’t forget the key dish at a recent feast prepared for local police officers.

“I love Dr. Seuss,” he said, after taking a helping of literal green eggs.

The academy, previously known as the transitions program, planned the menu, created and maintained a budget, did the grocery shopping and cooked all the food last week for a “friendsgiving” celebration with Oak Harbor police officers. Last year, the students hosted an appreciation luncheon for the department and wanted to do something similar, according to Susan Armstrong, exceptional academy coordinator.

The class decided to use the holiday to hold a fun event that also helps teach critical life skills, which is what the academy is all about. The program is meant to prepare special education youth aged 18 to 24 for their adult lives.

“When they leave here, they can host their own friendsgiving,” Armstrong said. “Or at least prepare meals for themselves.”

The students treated officers Matt Krysinski, Janeth Huetson and Marquise Moses and school resource officer Jeremy Andreano to an elaborate meal that included turkey, ham, pulled pork, stuffing, dinner roles, roasted carrots and, of course, green eggs and ham.

Moses said he loved seeing and tasting what the students made, and Huetson added she enjoyed meeting the young people.

“We really love doing this kind of stuff,” said Andreano.

“We get to see the good part of the community,” he added later.

The meal was followed by home-made pumpkin pie and whipped cream, although the officers were called away before dessert.

Armstrong said part of the event was also to stress the importance of community engagement and giving back.

Tyler Penny said he wanted the event to “show how appreciative we are.” Brittany Riffel said she most enjoyed the opportunity to come together with friends.

“My favorite part of friendsgiving,” Aston said, “was making green eggs and ham at 10 a.m.”

Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News-Times Officer Matt Krysinski digs into his meal prepared by Oak Harbor exceptional academy students.