Homewood-Flossmoor High School Principal Clinton Alexander used a pair of gold-plated scissors to cut the ribbon held by students marking the official rollout of the new culinary, fashion design and interior design spaces in the North Building.
A celebration followed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, when guests were treated to tasty bites prepared and served by the culinary students who hosted District 233 board members, representatives of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and other invited guests.
The 5,000 square feet on the lower level of North Building were remodeled in phases so that classes could still be offered. A former wrestling room was converted for the new spaces for fashion design and interior design. Once those classes relocated, those former classrooms were gutted and transformed into new residential and commercial kitchens.
“Today we unveil a new aspect of our campus. The facilities that our community has provided to us — and I do say our community has provided to the students and staff of Homewood-Flossmoor — are second to none,” said Superintendent Scott Wakeley. “The opportunities that this community bestows on our children is something that is a gift, that is a legacy that will far out live those of us who work here and will far outlive the students who have the opportunity to be here.”
The commercial kitchen is allowing students to learn skills they can use professionally, Wakeley said. Students can earn professional certifications that will help advance their careers, or they can earn dual credit giving them both high school and college credits.
Teri Winfree, executive director of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, said, “All this is so awesome to see. Congratulations to all of you for giving them all these career opportunities.” Winfree said the chamber’s Workforce Development Committee will be working with business leaders to connect H-F graduates with hotels and restaurants who need chefs.
Michelle Meadows, director of H-F’s Career and Technical Education program is a member of that committee.
“Our community treasures Homewood-Flossmoor High School and the work you do here,” said Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson. “Our students are a vital part of everything we do, every event, every opportunity.”
