Seminar Cooks Up a Storm
GHS seminar class finds its sweet spot with a weekly baking competition.
By Anish Nerella
Jan. 29, 2024
In an innovative twist to classroom dynamics, the students of Mr. John Schoultz’s seminar class at Grimsley High School have found a unique way to start their week. Every Monday, they engage in a friendly yet competitive baking showdown, sharing homemade delicacies with their peers.
The tradition began serendipitously when Logan Witriol, one of the students, discussed his family’s challah recipe during class. Mr. Schoultz, known for his expertise in chemistry rather than culinary arts, expressed a desire to taste this homemade bread. Rising to the occasion, Logan brought his freshly baked challah the following Monday, setting the stage for what would soon become a weekly highlight.
Embracing the spirit of homemade craftsmanship, Mr. Schoultz laid down the competition’s sole rule: everything must be from scratch—store-bought cake mixes and frostings are a clear no-go. The students only need to bring a dish to partake in the feast, an arrangement that has seen participation soar.
Themes keep the competition vibrant, with recent events like the "Big Cookie" week where creativity in cookie-making was the delicious challenge at hand.
Mr. Schoultz’s vision extends beyond the culinary realm; he believes that seminar classes should be grouped by common interests rather than traditional class or grade divisions. He advocates for a school environment where special interest teams, like sports teams, could share and develop their passions through these specialized seminars.
“Such interactive class formats have the power to make seminar classes much more than just another block in a student's timetable,” Mr. Schoultz said. “They become a truly engaging and educational experience.”
This baking competition is more than just a fun activity—it's a testament to Mr. Schoultz’s pedagogical approach that values student engagement and practical skill development.
With flour-dusted aprons and ovens preheated, the students of GHS are proving that the recipe for educational success can be as diverse and unique as their culinary creations. Mr. Schoultz’s seminar class is a sweet example of how breaking the conventional mold can yield delightful results, both in learning and in baking.