Students learn fine dining etiquette

Rob Christensen, Thompson Falls K-8 counselor, has been busy preparing seventh and eighth-grade students for the world of being manners-minded individuals. Since society places much emphasis on having good manners and proper etiquette, these are skills that students must have to become successful in life.

Christensen has already taught multiple units on etiquette, addressing proper behaviors at restaurants, sporting events, public settings, and what is expected in the workforce. He also included online, phone conversation and proper flag etiquette. His next section will focus on airplane etiquette.

Wednesday and Tuesday afternoon junior high students were given the royal treatment and allowed to showcase their newly acquired fine dining skills while being served lunch by members of the community. The school kitchen staff provided a luxurious four-course lunch including dinner rolls and salads, egg drop soup, chicken teriyaki, and cobbler for dessert.

Carrying the sounds of classical music, the lunchroom was converted into a fine dining establishment. Students, dressed in their best attire, were escorted to their respectable seats where formal place settings awaited.

When listening to table discussions amongst students, it was evident they knew exactly how to apply proper eating methods. In between lots of "please" and "thank you," there was some laughter at the difficulties they faced.

"This is way different than how I usually eat it," Elizabeth Baxter claimed, as she ate her soup by scooping the spoon away from herself.

Elijah Ratliff chortled in agreement with Baxter. "Eating this way is challenging. Most of my food ends up in my lap!" Chopsticks did not help their cause by any means.

"We have had such a wonderful turnout for this event in the last three years, and amazing feedback from our community!" Christensen emphasized, as this year marks the 4-year anniversary.

Community volunteers who helped serve students were Mark Sheets, Kate Baxter, Jeanette Allday, Angelo Alderete, Andrea Fernandez and Cathy Schilling. In addition, tables and dinnerware were borrowed from local churches, chairs were on loan from the Elks, and Christensen's parents purchased table clothes, napkins and serving aprons for the program so he no longer has to rent them.

Each volunteer was given the opportunity to state why etiquette is important and what difference it has made in their life.

"You only have one chance to make a first impression," said Sheets. "So, it is important to know this material. It will help you move along successfully in life."

Christensen is the sole developer of the etiquette program. After witnessing table manners during lunchtime, he decided it would be an innovative idea to get the students more involved with traditional dining customs0.

American journalist Judith Martin, also known as Miss Manner, has wise words for those who live remotely, like many of us do. "Etiquette is all human social behavior. If you're a hermit on a mountain, you don't have to worry about etiquette; if somebody comes up the mountain, then you've got a problem. It matters because we want to live in reasonably harmonious communities."