Pictured L-R: Rodney Spears, Career & Techical Director; Anita Alef, Culinary Arts Instructor; Tatyana Hampton; Kentarius Milsap; Peyton Bridges; Paris Howell; Mariana Rucker; Mary Jennifer Russell
The Culinary Arts program at the New Albany High School of Career & Technical Education received a generous $1,500 donation for their participation in and assistance with the 3rd Annual Farm to Table Dinner that was held at Camp 106 in June.
The Farm to Table Dinner, which featured a five-course, gourmet menu was coordinated by the chefs from Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen and Sugaree’s Bakery. The event was sponsored in part by New Albany Main Street Association through a Visit Mississippi grant and was chaired by local chef Susan Hickman and Sugaree’s Bakery owner Mary Jennifer Russell.
Culinary I & II students, as well as former students, assisted with the event under the leadership of Culinary Arts Instructor Anita Alef. This is the second year that Alef’s students have had the opportunity to participate in this unique activity which provides them with live, hands-on work experiences.
Students met with the chef to learn about the menu he had created, as well as learning how he used locally sourced and seasonal, farm fresh ingredients. Students assisted with setting the tables and serving throughout the event.
The Culinary Arts Class presented a gift of appreciation to Mary Jennifer Russell. Pictured l-r: Ashlea Sanders, Tyneya Finley, Anita Alef, Mary Jennifer Russell.
“We are always so grateful to our community for continuing to provide us with the opportunity to participate in inspiring culinary events such as these,” explained Alef. “The students truly do benefit from interacting with members of our community and working under the direction of culinary experts.”
Alef also noted that Russell has been a strong supporter of the Culinary Arts program for many years by serving on the Culinary Arts Advisory Committee and offering field trip experiences for students.
The proceeds donated to the Culinary Arts program will be used to buy needed supplies and equipment so that students can continue to have quality work experiences in a classroom setting.
Scenes from Farm to Table
Scenes from Farm to Table
