Wolverine Academy (WAC), a non-traditional learning environment specializing in hands-on education, recently provided students with an incredible opportunity to develop real-world skills through a partnership with Manna’s Culinary Program in Durango.
Since 2023, Wolverine Academy has partnered with Manna to offer an elective culinary class, aligning with its mission to engage students in meaningful, project-based learning. This year’s program, running from February 11 to March 6, 2025, saw students attending classes twice a week at Manna’s commercial kitchen. Over four weeks, they learned fundamental culinary skills, including knife handling, kitchen safety, and sanitation, while also exploring fun recipes like pasta, ice cream, hummus, ranch dressing, and aioli.
A Unique Learning Experience
“This class is a great opportunity for students to not only learn to cook but to gain life skills that will serve them well in any career,” said Halie Forsthoff, Wolverine Academy’s Dean of Students. “It’s incredible to see how much they grow in such a short time.”
At the conclusion of the program this year, six Wolverine Academy students graduated, earning a certificate of completion, a chef coat, a chef knife, and a letter of recommendation for future job opportunities. This year’s graduates included:
- Savannah Newton (Grade 12)
- Cael Blount (Grade 12)
- Mya Miller (Grade 12)
- Dominic Waddell (Grade 11)
- Anna Espinoza (Grade 10)
- Bryce Thurston (Grade 10)
The Cooking Tournament: A Culmination of Skills
The final day of the class featured an exciting cooking tournament where students demonstrated their skills in a friendly competition. Two teams, coached by prominent local chefs Regan Briggs and Chad Nickerson, had 90 minutes to plan and execute a dish using available ingredients and two mystery ingredients—potato chips and white chocolate.
The competition was judged by Wolverine Academy teacher Elizabeth Wirak, Manna Board Member Jacqueline Alvey-Henderson, and Amy Deming from TBK Bank, representing the JP Pritchard Foundation, a major supporter of the Culinary Program.
“Both teams' dishes were delicious and beautiful and everyone won that day,” MANNA Culinary Manager Megan Feuerbacher said.
About Manna’s Culinary Program
According to its website, Manna has operated in Durango, Colorado since 1985. Originally founded to address hunger through the distribution of food and the eventual founding of our soup kitchen, Manna has since expanded its mission. Today, Manna provides nutritious food and meals, supportive services, and employment readiness programs to address the root causes of poverty in the community.
Established in 2014, Manna’s Culinary Program was designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to secure employment in the food service industry. As the only program of its kind in the area, it offers a five-week course led by guest chefs from the community. Students receive both kitchen and life skills training, preparing them for careers and greater self-sufficiency. The program provides real-life job experience through active participation in Manna’s Community Kitchen, and thanks to the Workforce Resilience Grant Program, adult students in 2025 can attend for free and receive a scholarship.
Since 2021, Feuerbacher has been leading the program, helping rebuild it after the COVID-19 shutdown. She has expanded its reach by partnering with local high schools, including Wolverine Academy, to provide culinary education to students.
About Wolverine Academy
Wolverine Academy (WAC) is a non-traditional learning environment that specializes in hands-on activities and real-world applications for learning. With project-based instruction for academics and a strong social-emotional curriculum embedded into daily practices, Wolverine Academy offers a supportive and personal approach to learning. Students are challenged at their level, engage in meaningful work, and have multiple opportunities to show mastery. Class norms are based on mutual respect and the achievement of academic and personal goals.
