An Attitude of Gratitude: John Jay Athletes Give Thanks

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - As Thanksgiving approaches, John Jay's student-athletes took time to think about the things that they are most grateful for. 

Haley Hoskins

I am thankful for my family, especially my parents who support me at every game. I am thankful for my friends and dogs who are always there for me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to play volleyball in this program since I have made amazing friends and memories for life here.

Andy Condon

I have so much to be thankful for as a John Jay athlete. The amazing atmosphere that helps support you, the amazing coaches, facilities and teammates that you get to work with, they are all something to be thankful for. I am thankful for all that John Jay has to offer me and I couldn’t imagine another high school being able to provide me an experience as good as John Jay.

Olivia Casabona

As a John Jay athlete I have a multitude of things to be thankful for. I’m thankful for the amazing opportunities and facilities we get at John Jay. I’m extremely grateful for Christian, our athletic trainer, and the rest of the PE/sports staff for always being insanely supportive. In addition, I’m thankful for my parents for helping accommodate my athletics throughout my whole life. On top of this, I am beyond thankful for my amazing friends for supporting me at every game, and Andy Condon for showing up to one. Furthermore, I am so thankful for my team, which has become my family these past two years. Above all, I am thankful to God for blessing me with all these people, opportunities, and talents.

Kayla Cambareri

I’m incredibly grateful for my teammates, who are not just colleagues, but some of the closest people in my life. Gymnastics requires a level of trust, dedication, and vulnerability that makes the bond we share unique. We push each other to be better every day, whether it’s through mentally spotting a difficult skill, offering encouragement during tough routines, or picking each other up after a fall. The hours of practice, the sweat, the injuries, and the victories or losses—we experience it all together, and those moments create an unspoken connection that runs deeper than any competition. We understand each other’s struggles and celebrate each other’s victories, both big and small. Although my teammates can also be my biggest competitors, I know they will always be there to cheer me on. I’m thankful for how we’ve become more like family, always there to support one another through the highs and lows of the sport and life. They truly are the people I can count on, not just in the gym, but outside of it as well.

Lucas Mongiello

As Thanksgiving time is here, I want to give thanks for the opportunities that running has provided me, and all of the support from friends and family along the way. I am grateful to feel success as a scholar athlete at John Jay High School, and have learned the skills of running which I will use for the rest of my life.

Jaime Bartley-Cohen

I’m most thankful for my parents and my older brother because they are my biggest supporters and have sacrificed so much so that I can be successful. My parents have driven me to countless tournaments and games over the years for every sport imaginable and they have always made time to come and watch me play. I’m also very grateful for the coaches who have encouraged me and supported me throughout my career and have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and compete at the next level.

Ryan Ramirez

I express my talents in soccer and lacrosse. I’m thankful for my parents first of all. They’ve helped throughout my whole life, and I really appreciate them. I’m also thankful that I’m healthy and able to play these two amazing sports.