West Buncombe Elementary School (WBES) fourth graders had a recipe for fun when they visited Clyde A. Erwin High School’s (CAEHS) foods class this past spring. The eager young chefs in training were greeted by a group of high school students who were more than ready to whip up something delicious. Under the direction of their Family and Consumer Science teachers, the older students served up a heaping portion of hands-on learning.
“The Career and Technical Education (CTE) advanced studies class had to teach three cooking lessons as part of their honors course assignments,” said teacher Lacey Davis. “It was truly inspiring to witness my students excel in leadership, communication, and cooking skills that they’ve honed in my classroom.”
Together the elementary and high school students filled the classroom and hallways of CAEHS with a delectable aroma of cookies. As the fourth graders rolled up their sleeves, the high schoolers shared their well-seasoned expertise, showing their younger peers how to measure, mix, and knead their way to the perfect batch of cookies.
“These high schoolers not only managed their time effectively but also developed innovative methods to engage with elementary students in the lab process,” said Ms. Davis. “They maintained a safe environment while showcasing their culinary talents.”
WBES students quickly learned that making cookies wasn’t just about following a recipe - it was about adding a pinch of teamwork and a dash of creativity to make something truly special.
“I hope the students, especially the younger ones, remember this experience,” said Ms. Davis. “One day when they are in high school they may be inspired to take a foods class and pass what they learned to the next generation.”
The visit was a perfect example of the impact CTE classes can have on students of all ages. This experience cooked up more than just cookies - it sparked a passion for learning and showed the WBES students that with the right ingredients, they could cook up their own future success. And that, as everyone agreed, was icing on the cake.
