Twenty senior citizens from Schoharie County enjoyed an early Thanksgiving  feast on Thursday courtesy of students in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program at Capital Region BOCES.

The aspiring chefs on the Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) – Schoharie Campus prepared a full traditional meal including turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and homemade pies and served the members of the Gallupville Senior Citizen group.

“It feels good to be able to learn and give back at the same time,” said Andrew Palutti, a BOCES senior from Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

Teacher and Chef Jennie Flagler has a lengthy history with the senior citizen group, which led to the opportunity for students to show their capabilities, practice professionalism and give back to the community.

“I used to host their monthly meetings at my restaurant, but since I am working at BOCES now, I thought a Thanksgiving meal would be a good opportunity for our students,” she said.

“It’s important for kids to be able to work and know what they are getting into. Things don’t go as planned. Things always come up and you have to be able to adapt in the kitchen,” she added. 

The students agreed on the importance of the charitable work.

“It’s nice to learn a new skill that is important to our futures and will help us with a job,” said Augustina VanArsdal, a BOCES senior Sharon Springs.

The Gallupville residents praised the efforts of the students.

“It was excellent. Fantastic. Done to perfection. The kids did an amazing job,” said Karl Remmers.

Students in the two-year Culinary Arts program learn the skills necessary to enter the workforce as a sous chef or pursue additional training in college. Graduates work in restaurants and resorts around the region and beyond, own their establishment and even prepare food for professional sporting events. More than 100 students are currently enrolled in the program that is offered at both the Albany and Schoharie campuses.