Junior chefs cook it up at Bel-Air Elementary School

For two years, an after school program at Bel-Air Elementary has been teaching students the art of cooking.

For students at Bel-Air Elementary learning just got a little more hands on. Third through sixth graders are testing their skills in the kitchen with the hopes of taking that knowledge home. Cafeteria Manager Tammy Marion said, “We teach them to do things that they can take and make something more. Whatever we do, they can expand on it. We try to think of things that they have at home and that is inexpensive and that they could turn around and cook for their families.”

Students tell News 25 when they found out about the class, they all had the same reaction. “Oh, I’m going to do that.”

The after school club is in its second year and has introduced students to a wide spread of cooking from baking desserts to whipping up their favorite dishes.

Culinary skills aren’t the only thing being taught at Bel-Aire after class. There is also a chess club, gardening, dance and cheer, and art, but without donations many of these wouldn’t be possible. Harrison County School District Food Services Director Brad Barlow said, “The materials, the labor, everything that makes the programs operate is donated by volunteers.”

“It shows children how to feed themselves and to cook when they’re home, maybe before mom and dad get home in the evening. Programs like this are really great for life skills.”

If you would like to donate to any of the after school programs at Bel-Aire contact the school at 228-832-7436.