Members of the Culinary Club at Saint John Vianney High School are always searching for ways to help others with their cooking talents, and Mother Teresa Regional School in Atlantic Highlands gave them what they wanted. On December 15^th, MTRS hosted their Breakfast with Santa, and the students from the culinary club at SJV volunteered, making it a very successful breakfast, according to chairperson of the PTA, Michele Leite.

Every club in SJV is required to do a community service project, and president of the Culinary Club, Annalisa Leite, thought this would be a great thing to do.

The Culinary Club helped cook pancakes and sausage, serve them to guests, work the topping bar, serve beverages, and play games with the children. Leite, along with other members of the PTA were very happy that the culinary club came to help. “They were the best kitchen crew I ever worked with, fast and efficient,” Leite reports. “They were also really good with the kids, they set up Christmas themed games and crafts to entertain the children, allowing the parents to relax and enjoy their breakfast. I hope they come back next year!” Mr. Tom Sorci, the principal of MTRS, talked to the culinary club after the event. “You were all so great,” Sorci told the members, “hopefully you can all come and help at our next event!”   The PTA reported that this was the most successful Breakfast with Santa they have ever had, and they are all grateful for the help they received.

The children, the PTA, and guests weren’t the only people happy to be at the Breakfast; the culinary club enjoyed the experience as well. Bailee Formon, A junior member of the Culinary Club, plated and served at the breakfast. “It was a fun experience, I really enjoyed working with the kitchen,” said Formon. Victoria Mahoney, Vice President of the Culinary Club, worked in the kitchen cooking pancakes. “I thought going to the Breakfast was a great time, it gave us the chance for our club to cook and help at the same time.”