Nearly 20 middle schoolers rushed outside to grill as soon as the final bell rang Thursday afternoon.
Putting on gloves, they began chopping, stirring and grilling ribs, apple pie baked beans and vegetables.
The meal was the Grill Master Cardinals club’s final gathering of the school year and was an overall crowd favorite. Sixth grader Caidence Fantin said she and other club members started preparing the ribs before school Thursday morning.
“We were waiting all day and finally got to try it,” Fantin said. “I really liked it.”
Fantin said being part of the grill club has taught her the lifelong lesson of how to make good food.
“The food has been amazing,” she said.
Principal Jeremy Thomas started the club this school year as a way to use his love of grilling to connect with students.
“They see me in a different light besides just the principal,” Thomas said. “It’s been awesome to see them light up and have a little joy in their face.”
Thomas has taught students how to make a variety of meals, including chicken fried rice, pancakes, fajitas and smashburgers.
“We’ve got a lot of kids that come out,” Thomas said. “Some of the kids have tried new things, other kids have come out of their shell and we’ve got some kids that have come out that have never grilled anything.”
Sixth grader Isabella Mower said pancakes and chicken fried rice were her favorite meals to prepare this year.
“It’s just fun making it,” Mower said.
Thomas said there are about 35 students who have been involved throughout the year. He said one of his favorite parts of teaching the students is seeing the excitement on all of their faces when they are grilling.
“It’s been neat to see the kids come out of their shell and really shine,” he said.
Eighth grader Brenley Hanson found an enjoyable learning environment by joining the grill club.
“It’s fun getting to cook with others and get new ideas on different techniques and skills people use,” Hanson said.
Sixth grader Lilli Burnley said she loves being in the grill club because she has developed new skills she can use at home.
“My stepdad likes to grill so I get to teach him how to use those recipes,” Burnley said.
Burnley said she hopes the club continues to grow next year.
“People should actually start joining it more,” she said. “It’s really fun and you learn a lot of new things.”
The grill club is one of 24 enrichment clubs offered by the middle school. Thomas said 95% of sixth graders, 100% of seventh graders and 98% of eighth graders are involved in at least one of the clubs.
“We’re really trying to encourage them or find something that they’re interested in,” Thomas said.
All of the clubs are funded by the Eudora Schools Foundation as a way to create more opportunities for students to get involved, Thomas said.
“It’s the best support we have,” Thomas said. “For me, our foundation is second to none. They’re all about our staff and our kids.”
Thomas said having the chance to connect with the students over the school year through the club has been a great experience.
“This is my passion outside of school and so being able to share that with the kids is a true joy,” Thomas said. “This is the first year and, hopefully, we will just keep going.”
Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected].
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