Thanksgiving Address: Jeremy Plax '25

For many years, seniors have selected someone from their class to deliver the annual Thanksgiving address. This long-standing tradition was renamed five years ago to honor and remember past parent and grandparent Steven Plax.

In his introduction, Mr. Abbott said that while Dr. Plax's accomplishments as a doctor and mentor were indisputable, everyone remembers his warmth most. While past Thanksgiving assembly speakers have had varied styles, achievements, and messages to share, all embodied the same qualities that set Dr. Plax apart: humility, integrity, gratitude, and, most importantly, kindness.

This year’s remarks were particularly poignant, as they were delivered by Dr. Plax’s grandson, Jeremy Plax '25. Below is a video from assembly, followed by a transcript of Jeremy's remarks.

Hello, students, faculty, staff, and Mr. Abbott. As Mr. Abbott mentioned, my name is Jeremy Plax and I am, in fact, the grandson of Dr. Steven Plax. I remember being in 7th grade, watching someone give this speech and thinking that, even though it was dedicated to my grandfather, there was no way I would be able to do it. I thought I could never stand in front of the entire school and share personal stories. Clearly, things can change.

Just for a bit of background, my grandpa — who we called Papa — truly embodied being thankful for everything he had and everyone in his life. His family came to America as Russian Jewish immigrants, and they did not have a lot. Here, he met my Grandma Mimi and decided to become a doctor. Though none of you ever had him as your doctor and might instead have had my uncle, Dr. Danny Plax as your doctor, I’m sure if some of you asked your parents, they would remember being patients of my Papa.

One of the ways I remember him is this. In 5th grade, when I was at New City School, there was this one kid in my class who I won’t name, but I’m sure some people in my class know. This kid was constantly bothering me and, honestly, a bit of a bully. One Sunday night when my family had dinner with my uncle, aunt, and my grandparents, I was complaining about this kid and how he had been bullying me. My grandpa asked if I had ever punched him in the nose. What my grandpa had not quite realized was that, earlier that week, I had finally become fed up with him and, after he had been hitting me with his jacket, I turned and did, in fact, punch him. Any of you who know me, even just a little bit, probably find it difficult to imagine me hitting someone and understand how completely out of character this was. But honestly, he was incredibly annoying.

After I told Papa, he looked shocked. What I hadn’t quite realized at the time was that he meant it as a joke. Of course he did. This speech was named for my grandfather because he cared about people. He always was in my corner, but had great compassion for all people. I like to think that my mom got her compassion from him, and I got mine from her.

My mom is another person who I truly care about. And earlier this year, around August, she moved to Canada for a job. Because my parents did not want me to move for my senior year, she went to Vancouver while my dad and I stayed here for me to finish school. My mom is currently back in town, in fact, she’s right over there in the audience listening to me give this speech. Once she’d left, I realized how much I depend on my mom. While my dad is great — he’s right here too. You’re great, Dad! — my mom has always been the one in charge. The organizer of the family. She is the one who checks in on me and makes sure I’m OK, both mentally and physically. And when she was gone, even though we did often call, it was not the same. I really felt her not being around.

As my classmates and I will soon be leaving for college, I know it can be exciting, finally getting to be away from home and not having to always listen toyour parents. But something I learned once my mom left is how much I will miss my parents when I go to college. There’s a common joke that high school seniors are so ready to leave home, but as soon as they go, they’re constantly calling and asking their parents what to do. Like most jokes, there’s a lot of truth to them. Even the ones about someone deserving to get punched in the face.

I hope that you get to share this holiday with people you love. But of course, not everyone you love can be at your Thanksgiving table. I encourage you to seek those people out, spend time with them, let them know you care and, finally, I challenge everyone to be truly thankful. Not just on this holiday, but every day, for the opportunity to share your life with people who matter. Take it from me, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Thank you.