The Questar III Culinary Arts program at the Rensselaer Educational Center (REC) in Troy collaborated with Hudson Valley Community College’s Center for Creative Retirement to host a bread baking class that was taught by high school seniors and Chef Andrew Ottatti.
The Culinary lab was home to seniors of all ages – high school seniors who became the teachers for the day and 11 senior citizens from the community eager to learn how to bake breads and rolls. During the interactive class, culinary students demonstrated skills which the senior students then implemented.
While the dough was rising, culinary students shared their portfolios, and talked with the senior students about their career plans and aspirations. The senior participants were also given a complete tour of the culinary arts industrial kitchen.
Retiree Ann Stafford stated what a great opportunity it was for all of them and spoke highly of the culinary arts students.
“Morgan (Percey, Maple Hill High School) was a great teacher. She gave us ‘high fives’ all around when we rolled the dough right, said Stafford.”
Questar III Career & Technical Education (CTE) Recruiter Pamela Mertz, who organized the event, called it a success. “Each time someone new comes into REC and sees what goes on here, we increase our visibility in the community and that’s what it’s all about.”
Retiree Linda Edwards said, “It’s obvious that the students love what they are doing and are well taught. The students were so poised and confident for being so young.”
Each retiree got to take home some fresh baked breads and new knowledge of the hands-on programs offered at the CTE center.
Two more cooking classes are planned for the fall. Learn more about Career & Technical Education programs offered by Questar III.
