LCCA celebrates with holiday meal for students, cooked and catered by faculty

GAINESVILLE - Lanier Charter Career Academy (LCCA) put a "holiday spin" on lunch for its students earlier Thursday.

Using the school's event facilities and an industry certified kitchen for the culinary arts program, the faculty decided to provide a campus-wide holiday meal to create a sense of community among the staff and students.

To provide a holiday lunch for 250, the LCCA staff was involved in all aspects, from set-up to decorating, baking desserts, plating food to refilling drinks, and from busing tables to washing dishes. Several staff members also provided live music during the meal, then concluded with a holiday sing-a-long.

The idea of a student holiday meal, hosted and operated by staff, evolved through a conversation about how students need to know how much they are appreciated and that they are worthy of a home cooked meal and more.

Alicia Fortner, LCCA teacher, said, "I am so proud to be a member of the LCCA family. The respect and support in our school community has made my first year here a wonderful experience!" The role of students and staff is clearly defined during the school day with a focus on teaching and learning; but at the end of the day, there is an appreciation for the way that staff and students influence one another. "We try to equip our students with good habits, work ethics, and a heart for community service. What better way to teach those lessons than to model them before their very eyes?" Jeff Jenkins, AP with LCCA.

A few students were asked to share their thoughts about what the meal meant to them.

Maggie Woodall: "I would like to thank the teachers. It was great that Dr. Blakley talked about grace because a lot of people need to know that they are cared for and not alone, especially in the Christmas season."

Eric Gomez: "It was a wonderful meal. I think it was great compensation for the students for all of their hard work."

Students and staff alike are already looking forward to making the celebration an annual event at Lanier Charter Career Academy.

LCCA provides career-focused instruction in the areas of Culinary Arts, Marketing Advertising and Promotion, Hospitality Management, and Travel and Tourism. Read more about it by clicking on the link below.