Nov 27, 2024
Students prepare a delicious holiday meal for 80 guests with donated ingredients from St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen
Culinary Arts students at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy School, under the expert guidance of Culinary Arts Supervisor and Instructor Amy Quinn, showcased their skills and generosity this week by preparing a Thanksgiving feast for their classmates, teachers, and staff. The students dedicated several days to planning and preparing the traditional meal, which served approximately 80 guests.
The festive menu featured 10 perfectly roasted turkeys, mountains of savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and tender green beans, all cooked to perfection by the students. Much of the success of the meal was made possible by the generosity of St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen, which donated many of the ingredients used in the feast.
“Our Culinary Arts program not only equips students with valuable life and vocational skills but also fosters a sense of community and accomplishment,” said Amy Quinn. “The generous support from St. Bernard’s Parish added to the sense of unity and gratitude we felt as our students prepared this special meal.”
The Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy School, part of St. Coletta’s of Illinois, is a therapeutic day school serving students aged 3 to 22 with a variety of disabilities, including intellectual and developmental delays. The school partners with districts across the south, southwest, and western suburbs, including Thornton Township District 205, Thornton Fractional District 215, Plainfield CCSD 202, Crete-Monee District 201-U, Consolidated High School District 230, and Flossmoor District 161
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Through programs like the Culinary Arts initiative, the Kennedy School empowers students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive, both personally and professionally.