Canandaigua, NY — On Friday, May 9th, the 7th grade FACS students from Lyons Central School District's Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program stepped into the world of professional cooking with hands-on experience at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua.
The visit provided students with an exciting opportunity to expand on the culinary and life skills they’ve been developing in the classroom. Inside a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, students worked alongside professional chefs to prepare and cook meals from scratch, learning about kitchen safety, proper knife techniques, flavor development, and the importance of teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
“This experience was a perfect bridge between our classroom curriculum and the real world,” said Erin Brooks, the FACS teacher at Lyons CSD. “Students were able to apply what they’ve learned in class and see how those skills connect to everyday life and potentially to future careers.”
The trip wasn’t just about food. It also served as an introduction to career pathways in the culinary and hospitality industries. Through interactive discussions and firsthand experience, students gained insight into what it takes to work in a professional kitchen and the variety of roles available in food service and culinary arts.
For many students, the trip sparked a new interest in cooking or reinforced a passion for working with food and each other. “My favorite part was working together with my partner,” said 7th grader Tyler Giltenboth. "And being able to learn from a pro and cook like a pro was the best," added Paige Vanderbush.
Experiences like this are a key part of Lyons Central School District's commitment to providing students with hands-on, real-world learning that supports both academic and personal growth. The district extends its thanks to New York Kitchen for hosting and inspiring the next generation of cooks, chefs, and food enthusiasts.
