Twenty members of the Italian National Honor Society at River Dell went on a memorable field trip to Ridgewood Culinary Studio. During the trip, students participated in an interactive Italian cooking class, combining active learning with the opportunity to bond and celebrate Italian culture.
The purpose of the trip was not only for the Italian Honor Society to spend quality time together outside of the classroom, but also to immerse students in an important and well-known part of Italian culture: food. In Italian tradition, food plays a central role in bringing families and communities together. This trip allowed students to appreciate the cuisine firsthand.
Mr. Loria, an advisor for the Italian Honor Society, described the experience as “fun and interactive,” highlighting how it encouraged collaboration and engagement among students.
At Ridgewood Culinary Studio, students worked with professional instructors to prepare food. The group learned how to make classic Italian dishes such as handmade fettuccine, carefully rolling and cutting the fresh pasta dough, while also preparing garlic knots. Throughout the class, students were actively involved, collaborating with one another and learning something new in a fun, relaxed environment. At the end, students sat down and enjoyed the meal they had prepared. As Mr. Loria mentioned, “good food always brings people together.”
This was the first time the honor society participated in this type of culinary trip. Students expressed how much they enjoyed the interactive nature of the class and appreciated the opportunity to cook Italian cuisine. Many noted that this type of class made learning much more engaging and memorable than a typical classroom experience.
Overall, the trip to Ridgewood Culinary Studio was both educational and enjoyable for students and teachers. Not only did students learn something new, but they also strengthened their relationships and deepened their understanding of Italian culture.
By blending education, culture, and community, the field trip left a lasting impression on students, showing that sometimes a textbook isn’t necessary to learn something new.
