Etiquette Class for Jovenes

Before the crazy summer season started some fellow staff members, David and Stacy Whited hosted an etiquette class for some of the teens in the Hope Program.  The class consisted of various sessions where the kids learned about table manners and courtesies that should be shown when out to a nice dinner whether it be a wedding, work event, or a date.

Most of the students in the class had spent the majority of their lives in a childrens’ home before coming into the Back2Back Hope Program, not having many good examples nor chances to practice etiquette. One of our goals with the Hope Program is to prepare our students for life in the ‘real world.’ These students are studying at the highschool and collage levels and when they graduate will most definitely have times where they will need to know proper etiquette.  Sometimes a job interview is nailed by the etiquette skills of the applicant! 

Rodo and Colton folding napkins as we prepared to serve a 3 course meal. 

David and Stacy taught the students how to eat a nice 3 course meal. What each piece of silverware is for, and basic manners on how to cut, chew, eat etc. when in a nice restaurant.    For most of these students this was a first time experience.

I was greatly surprised when later that week I went out to eat with Shannen, a Hope Program student that I disciple. We weren’t at a fancy restaurant or anything, but she was practicing her manners and teaching me a thing or two!

A nicely set table awaiting the teens to arrive...

The etiquette class culminated in a nice three course meal, prepared and served in David and Stacy’s house. Cheque and I and several other staff members were invited to serve the meal as though it was at a real 3 star restaurant.  It was so much fun to serve the teens and even more fun to see what they had learned during the class. All the guys opened the doors for the ladies, pulled out their chairs, and engaged them in conversation. All the students used the correct silverware at the correct times, politely asked for refills, and cut and chewed like ladies and gentlemen.  

Shannen, Homero, Daniel, and Selene politely eating their first course. 

Mario, Averee, Colton, and Perla conversing over the main course.

 Already several students have had the chance to put their etiquette skills to practice in the ‘real world’ at their graduation receptions. It is so fun to see these kids blossom into fine young men and women.

Servers!!!

All of us B2B staff who participated that night.