By MICHELLE ADAMS / Community Columnist

During a typical school day, dominated by bells and a concentrated focus on history, math, science and English, it’s a welcome detour for students to be involved in Family and Consumer Science classes, taught by Montevallo High School’s teacher of the year, Brandi Eades.

These classes give students an opportunity to learn about fashion, food and hospitality, and, the best part, food preparation in a new state-of-the-art industrial kitchen.

To further their Family and Consumer Science studies, students can join Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). FCCLA extends classroom learning through chapter projects that develop leadership and initiative and helps young men and women learn how to plan, make decisions and carry out programs of action in the school and community.

“I am most proud of my FCCLA members when they work as a team to get the project at hand completed,” Eades said. “These students are always great about supporting and encouraging their fellow members.”

The most recent project FCCLA members participated in was to cater the monthly Montevallo Connection meeting. While working through a course of study unit on event planning, students determined the event theme, venue layout, budget, menu offerings, table settings and decorations.

“Students constructed a to-do list based on their planning,” Eades said. “Using the theme of ‘winter wonderland’ with the colors aqua and silver, our caterers offered a hot chocolate bar with various toppings, spinach and artichoke dip with chips, turkey roll-ups, s’mores, Oreo bon-bons, and an assortment of chocolate covered pretzels.”

MHS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester requested that the Hospitality and Tourism class showcase their skills at this particular event by making, providing and serving the refreshments.

“I was so impressed with this group of students,” Eades said. “They were even impressed with the end-result of their own hard work, seeing how each individual contribution came together to create an overall ambiance that attendees could appreciate. The importance of planning, organizing and teamwork became evident to them through this process.”