World Market at Liberty High School
About 15 years ago, I received information about a workshop titled Eatiquette—a program dedicated to teaching high school business students the art of dinner etiquette. This workshop provided an invaluable experience, offering practical skills that students could carry with them into future professional settings. As part of the program, we organized field trips to an upscale restaurant in Scottsdale, where students immersed themselves in an authentic fine-dining environment. This experience included a formal three-course meal and a 90-minute instructional session on dining etiquette led by a seasoned presenter.
During these sessions, students learned essential skills that would serve them well in professional environments, such as job interviews conducted over meals or formal business luncheons. The experience was nothing short of transformative, equipping students with knowledge in areas such as proper use of cutlery, formal dining behaviors, and various tips and tricks to ensure professionalism in dining settings. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, as many of them felt better prepared and more confident in professional situations that required fine-dining etiquette.
Unfortunately, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the presenters of Eatiquette retired, and with them, the opportunity for students to gain this valuable experience vanished. Recognizing the importance of this unique educational experience, I decided to bring Eatiquette to our own campus, with the help of DECA (our marketing club) and the Culinary department. Together, we established Eatiquette on the Liberty campus, making it a reality through dedication, collaboration, and a $1,000 PEEF grant that covered food and decor expenses for a group of 50 eager FBLA students. Of the $1000, $700 was used for food and $300 was used on formal plastic dinnerware and table/chair covers.
Over the course of five weeks, FBLA members voluntarily dedicated one lunch period each week to attend sessions on essential dining etiquette. We covered topics such as the importance of responding promptly to an RSVP, the correct method for breaking and buttering bread, and even the subtle art of disposing of chewing gum at the table. These topics, though often overlooked, are vital to mastering the nuances of professional dining etiquette.
Meanwhile, Culinary students were hard at work, researching different global cuisines to develop an exciting and diverse lunch menu for our event. Their research resulted in a truly international experience, with offerings such as lemonade from Romania, spring rolls from Thailand, chicken tortilla soup from Mexico, lasagna from Italy, and pudding from South Africa. This culinary journey not only introduced students to new flavors and cultural traditions but also showcased the culinary students’ creativity and research skills.
The DECA students played a crucial role as well. They took charge of decorating the dining area, creating table centerpieces, designing the menu, and setting up the entire ambiance. On the day of the event, they even plated and served the meal, putting their hospitality skills to practical use. Their meticulous attention to detail transformed the space, creating an atmosphere that matched the sophistication of a fine-dining experience.
The result of our collaboration was a resounding success. In total, 13 Culinary students prepared the food, 10 marketing students designed the ambiance and decor, and 33 FBLA members and administrators shared in this delicious meal, all while practicing and refining their dining etiquette skills. This event was more than just a meal; it was a powerful educational experience that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Our Eatiquette program on the Liberty campus exemplified the importance of hands-on learning, and the students’ engagement and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. We look forward to hosting this program again next year, expanding on our efforts to give students practical skills that extend beyond the classroom and into their futures.
Thank you for supporting initiatives that foster growth and skill development in our students. I am grateful to be part of a team that values innovative, student-centered learning experiences.