Culinary arts students celebrate end of semester with final ‘Taste of Liberty’ showcase

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local school’s culinary arts program celebrated their hard work with a final meal showcase.

Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson has a culinary arts program that is offered to students.

The students learn how to make baked goods, entrees, and many more types of food.

The program held “Taste of Liberty” on Wednesdays. The community was invited to come and purchase meals that the students prepared.

The program has culinary arts I, II, III, and IIII.

“We have baking and pastry as one of our culinary two focuses. Culinary three focuses on the restaurant operations, and our culinary one class works on the basics,” said Leslie Emerson, culinary arts teacher at Liberty Technology Magnet High School.

Nearly 40 students participated in the program this year.

Ja’vejia Walker is a culinary arts III student and started out by making basic recipes including brownies and cakes, but now she can make a variety of entrees like poppyseed chicken and mashed potatoes.

She says she has had a lot of fun and her favorite part is seeing the her classmates grow.

“We have some elementary kids and middle school kids come and visit us throughout the year and I enjoy having them here and teaching them and showing them what we do,” said Walker.

By the end of the course, students are able to graduate with a food and allergen certification and also have the option to have a manager certification.

Liberty is currently the only school in the Jackson-Madison County School System to have a culinary arts program.

All the funds raised this semester will help support food purchases, repairs, upgrades, and school supplies.

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