Students from Oshkosh North High School and Oshkosh West High School have continued a longstanding tradition of baking pumpkin pies for Father Carr’s Place 2B Life Enrichment Center. This initiative, which took place on November 25 and 26, involved students enrolled in culinary arts classes and student volunteers.
Father Carr’s provided the ingredients, while students at Oshkosh North divided tasks among various culinary classes. Culinary Arts 1 students prepared the pie dough, while other classes focused on rolling out crusts, making filling, baking, and packaging the 5-inch pies. At Oshkosh West, Senior Foods and Culinary 2 students handled all aspects of creating larger 9-inch pies.
Student volunteers joined during interest hours to assist in the process. Through this activity, students gained experience in community service and enhanced their culinary skills by following recipes, measuring ingredients, and ensuring product consistency.
“Culinary arts classes help us learn the basics of cooking and teach us how to prepare meals by following recipes step-by-step while practicing kitchen safety,” said Isabel, a senior at Oshkosh North. “We are going to need these skills after graduation.”
“This class teaches us useful life skills,” agreed Sam from Oshkosh West. “It will be helpful when I’m in college and I can make food on my own.”
In total, Oshkosh North produced 430 small pies while Oshkosh West made 110 large ones. Father Carr’s staff collected all pies on Tuesday afternoon for distribution in the coming days.
Students expressed fulfillment from participating in this project. Shaylinn from Oshkosh North found it rewarding to help others: “My favorite part of the project is that I am helping someone in need.” Parker from Oshkosh West appreciated having time during school to volunteer: “I think it’s good to give back to the community.”
Teachers also valued this tradition for its impact on both students and recipients. Amanda Fortner from Oshkosh North remarked: “The pies they make are always well received by community members who really enjoy that they were made by high school students.”
The district commended everyone involved for upholding this meaningful tradition as an example of their motto - "Building community through education."
Father Carr's Place 2B will deliver Thanksgiving Day dinners across Winnebago County with pre-orders required. A dine-in meal will also be available at their Saint Mother Teresa Center without reservations needed.
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