Honors College students gain etiquette experience at luncheon
Navigating a formal dinner can be tricky, but an etiquette luncheon made it a little easier for students in the Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College at Meridian Community College.
Hosted in collaboration with the College’s Culinary Arts Technology Program, the event was designed to teach students proper dining etiquette and more.
For their part, Culinary Arts freshmen and sophomores planned, organized, cooked, and served at the luncheon.
Honors College advisers Phyllis Holladay and Candace Rainer emphasized the skills learned by the Honors College students go beyond dining. “It’s all practical,” Rainer explained. “Whether for a job interview or visiting another college, these are useful skills.”
Corbin Gillentine, a 19-year-old from Amory and an Honors College member, enjoyed the event, saying it was his second experience with formal dining. “I feel like it was a great opportunity for all of us to be in a professional setting. The culinary students did an amazing job, too,” he said.
However, the learning experience included more than just dining etiquette. Students also gained knowledge on RSVP protocols and thank-you notes, rounding out a lesson in professionalism. “It’s something they’re ready to do again. They had fun, and it was a positive experience,” Holladay added.
The partnership between the Honors College and Culinary Arts Technology Program benefits both groups. “It’s important for students from different programs to come together,” Holladay said. “This was a great experience for everyone.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/honorscollege.