On Oct. 15, Jay Parmegiani of Roca Restaurant hosted 45 Vicksburg Warren School District students from the Food Service Classes at Hinds Community College for a behind-the-scenes tour. These young people are students at Vicksburg and Warren Central high schools who are first- or second-year students in the culinary arts program at Hinds, which is taught by Tim DeRossette.

Wow! What a great experience for these young people.

Mr. Parmegiani took more than two hours out of a busy Friday to talk to our students about the food service business in Vicksburg. He shared his experiences growing up in the restaurant business and developing the Roca menu. He discussed educational opportunities for those interested in the food service field along with employment skills he requires of his employees.

He gave small group tours of his kitchen explaining all the different areas and equipment. But the highlight for the students came when they were able to sample his homemade bread. Delicious!

This trip was made possible by the collaboration of Robert Croisdale of the Vicksburg Rotary Club, Hinds Community College, Vicksburg Warren School District and Roca Restaurant.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for creating this memorable and educational event for our youths of Warren County.

With community involvement and a commitment from people like Jay Parmegiani and Robert Croisdale, our schools will continue to grow and produce an educated work force for our area.

Pearlie Goodman

Student Services Coordinator

Vicksburg High School