Read on as Communities In Schools Chatham County volunteer Erika Guy shares about her passion and work with Chatham County students:
In 2016, after a rewarding career in Boston education, I embarked on a new journey in North Carolina. Drawn by the promise of fresh beginnings, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in a community bursting with potential.
With a background in school counseling and years as a Dean of Students, I was eager to bring my experience and passion for nurturing young minds. Fueled by a lifelong love for culinary arts, I integrated food into education. I pioneered “The Chemistry of Cuisine/Molecular Gastronomy,” bridging science and cooking for students.
Beyond the classroom, I envisioned immersive experiences. I organized a transformative summer trip for Boston kids to explore sustainable agriculture on an organic farm in New Hampshire, igniting their passion for food networks and small-scale growers.
Discovering Communities In Schools Chatham County (CISCC) and its innovative education approach was a beacon on my path. Joining their ranks was a gift, allowing me to share my expertise with eager learners. Together, we are sculpting minds, nourishing souls, and embarking on a culinary odyssey unlike any other.
Introducing CookingMattersForTeens (CMFT)…
In 2017, CISCC launched this transformative program at Chatham Middle School, aiming to empower students with culinary skills and nutritional knowledge while igniting curiosity about culinary careers.
Led by a dedicated team including Tych Cowdin, Maria Soto, and mentor Johnny Davis, we crafted a dynamic six-week after-school program. Guest speakers like Tanita Solanto and Tara Gregory expanded students’ horizons.
Despite challenges like sourcing food and adapting to makeshift classrooms, student enthusiasm soared. Then, COVID-19 hit, halting our efforts. Undeterred, we persisted.
Our persistence paid off! After numerous attempts to find a kitchen space, we secured a home at the Presbyterian Church in Pittsboro, just down the road from GM Horton Middle School. Months of collaboration led to the green light to resume classes. On February 1, 2024, CMFT returned, marking a triumphant revival!
Now, as we embark on this new chapter, our aspirations soar. We aim to shape future culinary leaders—chefs, nutrition advocates, restaurant managers, food truck owners, bakers, pitmasters, and food scientists.
With anticipation in the air, we ignite passions, nourish dreams, and pave the way for a future where every young mind savors success in the culinary world and beyond. This program is a unique, creative way we are partnering together to surround students with a community of support, helping them stay in school and achieve in life!
