Columbia-Greene Educational Center hosts luncheon for veterans
Students and staff at Questar III’s Columbia-Greene Educational Center in Hudson hosted their eighth annual community lunch for local veterans and guests on November 9.
Over 340 attendees – a record-breaking number – enjoyed a special turkey lunch prepared and served by the school’s Culinary Arts program under the supervision of instructors Chef Peter Desmond and Laura Sweeney.
Veterans also had access to a separate room for coffee and a variety of pastries and desserts made by the Introduction to Food Services class, prepared with the assistance of instructor Chef James Rhoads, Jr. and Eleanor Eckholm.
Chef Desmond said the event epitomizes the spirit of collaboration found at Columbia-Greene Educational Center and throughout Questar III.
“Our annual Veterans Day Lunch is teamwork in action at our school: decorations were provided by the Career Exploration Class, Automotive Services Class, and the Career Center; Mechanical Technology students created a brochure; and other programs donated door prizes, including delectable cookie trays prepared by Mrs. Rupp and Mrs. McLaren, who operate the school café. Students from SkillsUSA greeted and signed in our guests, and Criminal Justice students helped park cars, assisted visitors and created welcoming patriotic bulletin boards.”
Principal Heather Lansing said students and staff look forward to this event each year.
“Our students and staff agree that this is one of our favorite days of the school year at Questar III. We are especially grateful to the Culinary and Food Services students and to our hard-working maintenance staff for the many hours of preparation that went into this event. So many of the veterans and their guests stopped me and other staff members to express their appreciation for the lunch, and that gave us an opportunity to thank them personally for their service to our country,” Lansing said.
