The Master Chef’s Club at Shadow Ridge High School is advised by one of the school’s Culinary teachers, Chef Anne Schaefer. The club meets every Tuesday after school at 3 p.m. in room 302, where students have the opportunity to cook and bake together. The purpose of Master Chef is to bring students together in a welcoming and social environment where members can share their skills and knowledge with one another, regardless of their experience level or whether they are enrolled in culinary classes. Students in this club are able to decide what they want to cook, set the weekly agendas, and purchase the ingredients which gives them a sense of control over the club. Schaefer is always available to offer guidance, advice, and assistance whenever needed. On cooking days, students bring their own cooking ingredients and to-go containers but they have full access to all the kitchen equipment. After cooking, students are responsible for cleaning up and resetting the space, keeping the kitchen clean and ready for classes the next day.
Last spring, Schaefer took a group of culinary students to a cooking competition. They had such a great experience cooking and competing, several students decided they wanted to continue cooking beyond the classroom, which led to the founding of the Master Chef’s Club. Aurora Short, senior, is the president of the club. She was inspired to create the club to share her passion for cooking and baking, as well as teaching others different skills. The most important thing Short has learned from being in this club is that a kitchen cannot run without teamwork.
“There is an ‘I’ kitchen, but there’s not an ‘I’ in team,” Short explains. “You cannot run a kitchen without the work and help of other people. The club is based on other people coming together for food and there wouldn’t be a club if it was just me.”
Other than gaining cooking skills and competing, students in the Master Chef Club also develop other important skills such as communication and leadership. The club helps members build confidence as they take on responsibilities and support each other in the kitchen.
“Every time we cook, students practice their skills and get a little better at it,” Schaefer explains. “They also get to practice public speaking and leadership.”
Master Chef is also a place where students can relax, have fun, and connect with others who share the same passion for cooking. The friendly and supportive environment allows everyone to express themselves freely and feel a part of a team without any judgements.
“My favorite thing about the club is how everyone can be themselves here,” Summer Henry, junior, states. “The club makes me feel good about myself and very comfortable.”
The Master Chef Club is more than just an after school club, it’s a community where students can learn from each other, build friendships, and share their love for food. Every member of the club learns something valuable whether it’s about cooking or it’s an important life skill. The club also proves that food has the power to bring together people and create long lasting memories.
What makes this club unique is that anyone can join no matter their experience, all students have to do is show up on Tuesdays at room 302 ready to cook.
