Students from The Inspiration Academy private school who have gone through their Culinary Arts Module training volunteered once again at this year’s Flutter Gala. We thank the Fountain Hills Community Foundation for sponsoring this wonderful event, which helps fund local nonprofit groups that support youth, seniors, and families. This year’s event was held at the Centennial Pavilion at the Fountain Hills Community Center. We also thank Debbie J. Elder, owner of Culinary Curator, for her continued support of our school and our student volunteers. Our students helped Debbie’s staff prep and serve food to all of the event’s attendees.

We extend our gratitude to Byron Roman for sharing his expertise in Meso-American culture, history, and cuisine with our students at The Inspiration Academy. These kinds of cooking lessons are part of our Culinary Arts Module, one of 16 sub-programs within our Community Modules offered to students at our school.

During this first lesson, Byron guided our students through the preparation of corn and black bean tamales, while TIA students enjoyed sampling authentic chocolate from a cacao pod. Byron also explained the significance of our Fountain Hills Sister Cities relationship between Fountain Hills and Ataco, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and learning.

Our TIA students are looking forward to further cooking lessons with Byron.