After a tour of Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s (NMUSD) oldest high school and some thorough hand-washing, 20 fourth- through sixth-grade students from Whittier Elementary worked alongside Newport Harbor High School seniors in the school’s Culinary Kitchen to create a treat that was both beautiful and delicious. 

Thanks to the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation, the young chefs were provided with youth-sized aprons emblazoned with the Newport Harbor logo that matched those on the chef coats of their hosts. Together, they whisked, mixed, rolled, baked, and spread ingredients for iced cinnamon star bread. 

The special endeavor was part of the after-school Cooking Enrichment Class offered to Whittier students in first through sixth grade through the district’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP). Through creative and inspiring mentorships such as this, students are challenged to grow toward reaching their full potential as thriving students today and responsible community citizens of tomorrow.

"Expanded learning opportunities are a powerful way to introduce our youngest learners to a world of possibilities. By exposing them to a variety of career paths early on, we can spark curiosity, inspire dreams, and help them see the many ways they can contribute to their communities and the world," said Whittier Elementary Principal Jose Montaño.

The Cooking Enrichment Class is the first of its kind in the district. Elementary students have the opportunity to learn basic cooking and nutrition skills. In addition to understanding the importance of making healthy food choices, students utilize math and science concepts by measuring quantities of ingredients and observing the chemical reactions that occur when heat is introduced to recipes.

Through partnerships such as the one between Whittier and Newport Harbor, students in both elementary and secondary schools gain teamwork and communication skills. The younger students worked with their older counterparts to follow a recipe and execute a specific assignment together. This collaboration allowed Newport Harbor students a leadership opportunity that helped to build Whittier students’ confidence in the kitchen.

Newport Harbor’s Food, Service, and Hospitality Pathway is an integrated four-year course sequence designed to prepare high school students for careers in the food, hospitality, and tourism industries. The school’s award-winning Culinary Arts team cooks for fellow students, competes in regional and national competitions, and contributes to local soup kitchens.  

"This visit to Newport Harbor not only provided Whittier students with an invaluable glimpse into their potential future careers, but also offered Newport Harbor students the chance to inspire and guide these future ‘Sailors’ as they experienced the welcoming campus environment that awaits them," said Newport Harbor High School Principal Dr. Sean Boulton.

Elementary enrichment classes range in topics from arts to STEM to sports.Parents interested in enrolling their students in after-school classes should contact their school for more information.