The fourth Thursday in November marks the day we celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a day traditionally set aside for Americans to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest. Thanksgiving is a season for gratitude and giving. Since this is Thanksgiving week, I decided to ask a few knights what they were most thankful for.

Brittany Gearheart laughed, "I am thankful that there were only two days of school this week!" On a more serious note Gearheart added "I am thankful for the food in my stomach, a roof over my head, and the clothes on my back."

Kolby Sorenson said "I am thankful for my car because I get to go wherever I want, whenever I want."

One of the things I am most grateful for is my health. I pondered how grateful I was for my health and for the health of my family this week during the kick off assembly for the annual Gold Rush fundraiser at Lone Peak High School. The assembly was dedicated to Jason Long whose foundation will be the recipient of all proceeds raised during this years' fundraiser. Jason Long was an exceptional former Lone Peak Knight who succumbed to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in September 2007.

The Gold Rush assembly began with several generous Lone Peak girls and faculty donating their hair to Locks of Love. It was amazing to see these women give their long locks to people who truly needed them.

The assembly continued with several speakers who paid tribute to fellow knight Jason Long and his many accomplishments.

Laurie Anderson, from the front office at Lone Peak, told the students how "Jason did everything with the best attitude. You would be around him and feel something special. What an exceptional example this boy was."

Lone Peak's head football coach, Monte Morgan, told the student body what a good football player Jason Long was. He told us many stories about how Jason carried the football team to many victories because of his great character.

Kevin Long, Jason's father, said "I am thankful to you for choosing the Jason Long Foundation to donate to." Mr. Long expressed loving pride in his son by calling him "World Class." He also praised the Lone Peak students for being "World Class" and supporting the Jason Long Foundation.

This Thanksgiving season is our chance to show our gratitude for all the blessings we enjoy by giving back to those who may be less fortunate than ourselves.

"Nothing happens until you take action." said Steve Gomer who is the director of the Jason Long Foundation . "This is your chance to make a difference."

The goal of this year's Gold Rush is to raise $30,000 to fight cancer. Honor this season of gratitude by giving generously to the Jason Long Foundation.