Program Spotlight: Culinary
By Antonio Rivera
The yearbook staff enjoyed a special treat during "Yerdsgiving," an event celebrating teamwork and gratitude within the school’s journalism community. Thanks to the culinary arts class, the yearbook students savored homemade lasagna and cake, prepared with care by the talented chefs in training. It was a delicious way to bring the school’s creative teams together.
For students like Nathally Santana, a culinary arts student, the event was a unique opportunity. "I wanted to learn how to cook different meals," she shared when asked what inspired her to take the class. Although this was her first time supplying food for an event, she embraced the challenge. Nathally described the preparation process as meticulous, beginning with handwashing, sanitizing the area, and ingredient preparation before following the recipe step-by-step. “We prepped the day before and started cooking the next day,” she explained.
Fellow culinary student Abdul-Rahman Rizk also contributed to the feast, bringing experience from a previous homecoming event. “It was a multi-day process,” Abdul-Rahman said, highlighting the level of effort involved. “On the first day, we prepped everything that needed to be cut. Then, the next day, we measured and labeled everything before following the recipe.” He noted that events like these typically require around three days of preparation.
Yerdsgiving showcased how collaboration across different school programs can lead to unforgettable moments. The culinary arts class brought their passion for cooking to the table, while the yearbook team celebrated the spirit of the season with a shared meal, proving once again that food and creativity are the perfect ingredients for community.