'Chef's Extravaganza' gives students hands-on experience

On Friday, several Midland Valley students will give back by assisting at Helping Hands Inc.'s eighth annual fundraiser "A Chef's Extravaganza."

Several students of Anne Jarrett's culinary arts class will be invited to attend the event where they will aid the featured chefs in preparing various courses of food.

Chef Larry Carl, CEC, became involved in this arrangement several years ago. His children graduated from Midland Valley High School and he serves on the Culinary Advisory Board for the school. During each school year, Carl holds a vegetable-carving seminar for Jarrett's students.

"One thing led to another," he said. "And the idea of incorporating some students into the 'A Chef's Extravaganza' developed."

The event gives eight or nine of Jarrett's "alpha students" (as Carl deems them) the opportunity to work with chefs from the CSRA and surrounding areas.

The students, who typically stay behind the scenes during the event, are paired with a chef for a one-on-one experience. These students who are interested in pursuing a career in culinary arts get a chance to witness the process of preparing a fancy meal with several courses.

Since Jarrett only selects a few of her pupils to participate, the experience typically proves to not only be one to learn from, but it is also a humbling experience.

Jarrett explained that "A Chef's Extravaganza" is "one of the many events that [her] students have contributed to in order to give back to the community."

"It's a good-hearted thing since these students are helping disadvantaged kids," Carl said.

All of the night's proceeds go directly to Helping Hands Inc.

The students invited are not required to attend; their participation is strictly voluntary. Jarrett also attends the event. She acts as the authority figure toward the students while in the kitchen, and also takes pictures for the students and Helping Hands Inc. staff. These allow students and staff to reflect on the experience.

At the end of the night, the students are presented with a certificate of participation from the American Culinary Federation.

For more information concerning Midland Valley High School's culinary arts program, call Anne Jarrett at 593-7100. For more information on "A Chef's Extravaganza," call Helping Hands Inc. at 648-3456.