Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 29, 1990 TAG: 9004280052
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Gina Ferolino
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Last month, four students took first-place awards in district They are: Edward Rogers, job interview category; Raquel Eanes, culinary arts; and Judy Pearman, dessert cart, all of Christiansburg High School. Also, Mary Lockhart of Blacksburg High School placed first in the quick breads category.
These students and their peers in the food service programs, which are part of the vocational education curricula at the high schools, are getting a lot of hands-on (and hands-in) experience in the kitchen.
At Blacksburg High School the first semester is spent baking. The second semester is devoted to preparing casseroles, salads and other desserts. And the students also host receptions for various groups.
The students sell their prepared foods to the community so they can gain some experience on the business side of food service.
All proceeds go back into the program's account to purchase items for future projects.
Decorated cakes and cookies and casseroles are the most popular items, said Beverly Filippi, food service and home economics teacher at Blacksburg High School.
"We prepare all of the food here," she said. "It's a lot of work, but we're committed to do these things."
In Christiansburg, the food service students are really hopping this spring. Among the various receptions and other catering projects is preparation for the prom.
These students have catered banquets, luncheons and receptions for groups of school superintendents, guidance counselors - even for a basketball tournament!
They also prepare baked goods for sale to the community and have an on-site restaurant where they serve lunch to faculty members.
"This is one of the best groups I've ever had," said Pat Bauer, food occupations teacher at Christiansburg High School. "They work well together. We work on menus and cost estimates on the computer. Last year for the prom, we pushed eight carts through the grocery store. They're totally involved."
Bauer said programs such as food service keep many high school students in school. The food service students have an opportunity to co-op at fast food restaurants, in university dining halls and at local supermarkets.
At the end of two years they receive a certificate specifying the number of hours worked in food service.
"Sometimes it's their only way of getting jobs," Filippi said.
The certification also prepares students for enrollment in culinary arts programs at the college level.
"The opportunities in food service are great if you have experience and are interested in working," Bauer said.
by CNB