Every year the Virginia School Board Association publishes “Showcases

Every year the Virginia School Board Association publishes “Showcases of Success” a booklet detailing successful programs in public schools through out the State of Virginia. Over 77 programs from 36 school divisions were submitted as appropriate showcases for the good things happening in public education. Rappahannock County High School had three programs chosen to be included, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, the Book Buddies program, and the Culinary Arts program.

The EMT program was established in January of 2004 and students have been participating in simulations to give them first hand experiences to help them respond to real crises. Members of the community involved in various rescue squads saw the program as a way to spark student’s interest in volunteer membership after high school. With the help of the Rappahannock County Fire and Rescue squad the school system was able to provide equipment, funding, and an excellent local EMT instructor to that the program. Five of the ten graduates of the first year program are now serving as volunteers in the community and there are thirteen more students studying for certification this spring.

Graced with so many fine restaurants in the county that employ its members in the kitchen the school introduced its award winning Culinary Arts program. The program now provides outstanding training for students who were once taking “Home Economics.” Three levels of culinary arts are taught to over one hundred students each year. Students have a state of the art kitchen as their classroom in which they learn to prepare and serve meals.

Competing annually in state-wide cooking competitions the school has had two state winners for the last two years, including the state champion high school pastry chef last year. The program