Patriot Culinary Class Honors First Responders

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Culinary students and first responders stand together. Culinary students and first responders stand together.

In remembrance of 9/11, the Patriot High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary classes cooked breakfast for local first responders, Friday.

Prince William County Police Officers and Fire & Rescue personnel enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, bacon and muffins in the cafeteria at of Patriot High School, then listened to a patriotic performance by the Patriot High School Marching Band.

“We wanted to remember our first responders because every single day they put their lives on the line. Nine-eleven was a glaring example that every one of them would literally run into a burning building to pull us out,” Chef Emily Stevenson said.

The band performed the Star-Spangled Banner and a three-piece symphony on American themes by New World Symphony, which Neil Armstrong took to the moon with him.

Band Director David Van Gelder told first responders it is easy to get lost in the minutia, but reminded them 99 percent of people appreciate them.

Officers said they greatly appreciated the students' tribute.

“Today was fabulous,” said Capt. Shana Hrubes. “I’m always impressed by what kids can produce. We feel very grateful to have the acknowledgment and support of our community today. It is a great honor."

“It is so moving to be here,” said Brentsville Supervisor, Jeanine Lawson. “It makes me so proud of the Patriot community, and I am, of course, very proud of our first responders.

Lawson noted that this generation of students was too young to remember 9/11, but as a nation, we have done an excellent job of teaching them the significance of that day.

Connor Schiro, a firefighter with Nokesville Fire House #25 also attended the breakfast. Stevenson said he often visits the Patriot Culinary class to teach fire prevention and kitchen safety. As a result, many of culinary students have joined the fire department.

Culinary students said it felt good to honor the first responders.

Student Michael Nguyen said he couldn't think of a more worthwhile way to demonstrate their culinary knowledge than to honor those who keep them safe.

“We love to help, it’s a good feeling," student Sirra Avino said, explaining their teacher encourages them to cook for staff, students and the community often.

Stevenson thanked the band for their performance and students in the Patriot leadership class who acted as student ambassadors, welcoming guests and directing them to the cafeteria.

Dr. Michael Bishop, Patriot's principal, said it was a great example of community outreach.

“The quickest way to bring people together is to sit down over a plate,” Bishop said. “This is a nice partnership we’ve got right now."

Featured image by Kayla West.

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