SkillsUSA seniors in the Culinary II class at Rappahanock County High School in Washington, Va., honed and reinforced their skills by mentoring and teaching the eighth grade class about nutrition and preparing meals that meet FDA's dietary guidelines.

The seniors worked with the younger students in groups that offered a one-to-one ratio. The culinary arts students used the skills they were learning in class to teach the eighth graders about careers in the culinary field, cooking techniques and guidelines, nutrition principles, safety and sanitation, and clean up procedures. The culinary students created lesson plans, handouts and recipes to use as they mentored the younger students.

Both sets of students gained from the experience. The seniors increased their knowledge base by teaching and gained a new sense of pride in their program. The younger students gained a new friend and mentor, as well as, raised awareness about SkillsUSA, careers in culinary arts and preparing healthy meals.

At the end of the school year, the culinary arts students prepared a celebratory dessert which was served to the eighth graders during their school lunch break.

As an added benefit, each time the students and mentees prepared a meal, they made extra food which was then donated to the Rappahannock County Senior Center to be distributed to their seniors with limited community access.