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| Contributed photo Serving up lunch for hungry customers were, from left, teacher Juanita Campbell and students Desirree Wilson, Sarina Voisine and Deanna Stone. |
CARIBOU — Temperatures were bubbling over at The Viking Corner Café on Sept. 18, when students of the general trades class hosted the kitchen’s annual Grand Opening. Home-made chicken stew and Acadian ployes were served to over 50 staff members, friends and family who attended the event, and generous program donations filled the tip jars. Program instructor, Juanita Campbell stressed, “It is not all about the profits. Students’ work experiences have been the frosting on the cake.”
Food service at the Caribou Regional Technology Center is a three-credit general trades class that meets Monday through Friday. Class enrollment this year has warranted both morning and afternoon class.
In addition to learning all of the nutritious facts for preparing foods, the curriculum stresses unique strategies to successfully teach a multitude of living skills.
Hands on working activities include baking, preparing meals, grocery shopping, budgeting, operating a cash register, managing a personal check register, customer service, housekeeping, laundry and sewing techniques, grooming and personal hygiene, basic math and language communications skills, Constructing resumes and preparing for interviews.
Campbell said the students realize the importance of teamwork.
“The Viking mini-chefs pay close attention to class motto — ‘I Can DO’ and ‘Attitude is Everything’” she described. “Students are motivated to imagine, dream and believe.”
During the class, students discuss personal values and the rewards received from working. Campbell said that the main focus is to strive for independence, and the program builds self confidence through praise and constructive criticisms.
When asked what they like most about the class, one student replied, “It is fun and we all get along.” Another student explained that they like meeting and serving the customers and said “I like to see their smiles.”
Fast food items are served daily at room 157 at the tech center from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with a luncheon special on Wednesday.
