Students enrolled in Lockhart Elementary School's EarlyAct club enjoyed a one-of-a-kind experience his holiday season.
For the first time, club advisors held a special dining etiquette education luncheon for students on December 22 in place of the club's annual Christmas social. Students were treated to a catered, four-course meal complete with formal place settings, cloth napkins, soft music and all the trappings of a fine-dining experience. The event was held at the Lockhart library, which was transformed into an elegant restaurant atmosphere with white table cloth-covered dinner tables boasting lovely centerpieces.
Rotarians representing the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II, which sponsors Lockhart's EarlyAct club, played a significant role in making the learning activity possible. Rotarian Mittie Benham provided step-by-step instructions on the do's and don'ts of fine dining as she supported fellow Rotarian Janice Hodge's vision for the event. Ms. Benham gave direction on how students could identify their silverware, the proper napkin placement across the lap, how to elegantly move food into the mouth, and how to master breaking small pieces of bread for eating. Each student's place setting also included a placemat that contained a diagram identifying the location of everything on a dinner table.
As part of the instruction, students also learned how to speak in soft tones to other guests at their table. It was also stressed that eating should not begin until everyone at the table was served. A tried and true rule of thumb was also reinforced: students should sit straight and not rest elbows on the table. Students were also informed that cell phones should be turned off and remain out of site when dining.
Club advisors responsible for organizing the affair include Merle Vanterpool, Angela Barry, Dichi McSween, Tatyana Hayes and Mr. Austero.
EarlyAct club members could be seen listening attentively and applying each lesson. They agreed it was fun. Needless to say, this experience is one students can chew on for a while!
