Story by: Rob Kinch. Photos by: Joseph Mudrak and Mary Mull
As steaming plates of carrot and coconut soup, painstakingly prepared by RHS student Brandon Krutzler, were rushed to awaiting diners and ‘plats principaux’ of bacon wrapped scallops and braised beef short ribs were hastened with care from kitchen to table, students invariably found time to stop for a second to excitedly ask “Did we reach our goal?!” It was just that goal that had motivated the students to spend nearly four months training after school and on weekends to prepare for the evening of April 25th. Theirs was a considerably ambitious goal – a pledge to raise $10,000 to donate to the St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital. It was with great respect for their dedication that event organizers, teachers Rob Kinch and Joseph Mudrak, could reassure them, “Yes…yes, you did!”
With the help of Head Chef Manny Salas and restaurant owners Larry and Bobbie Fishman, Rahway’s Rail House was turned into a veritable Parisian bistro for the evening by students of Rahway High School’s French Club, along with several other students whose hearts were set on participating in the fund raising event as well. Assuming the responsibilities associated with the intricate workings of running a business proved an invaluable learning experience for each student involved. Sophomore Asa Coleman was grateful for “the opportunity to realize my potential” and “to see a community come together to support St. Jude and its students as well.” Junior Xavier Lighten found that this experience “has given me something I don’t think I could’ve gained from school: a truly deep understanding of what ‘responsibility’ is.” Sophomore Caroline Mull learned “that it is always important to put forth your best effort.” She is thankful she “learned new skills, made new friends, and gave back in the process.”
A true union of school, community, business, and local government was clearly evident in the students’ guest list. In attendance, along with over 150 diners, were Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Camp, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Christine Salcito, Rahway Board of Education President Ms. Lori Kennedy, and RHS Principal Mr. John Farinella. Ms. Kennedy offers, “Having been in the restaurant business, I understand the difficulties of running a restaurant, but the students were able to perform their duties calmly, very professionally, and with so much poise that I began to believe they really were experienced workers. We are all so proud of them.”
Also on hand to enthusiastically support their students were RHS Vice Principals Dr. Cary Fields, Ms. Chey Rivera, and Ms. Patricia Volino-Reinoso, along with Ms. Mary Hart, Vice Principal of Rahway’s 7th and 8thGrade Academy. Ms. Hart and her family were there to cheer on server Widnie Pierre-Louis, an 8th grade student joining the high school students as representative of the Academy. Community member Ms. Linda Slinski from Rahway’s Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Society found the event wonderful idea to get children involved with a worthwhile cause” while noting that the evening’s strolling violinist, Rahway High School Strings Teacher Sergei Panov, “added just the right touch.” Amy Garcia Phillips, Artistic Director of the Rahway Arts and Business Partnership, found RHS’s Bistro Night at the Rail House “a beautiful collaboration between the school district and the business community,” adding that it enhanced “the excellent education that our students already receive with the hands on experience… of running atop notch restaurant.”
Mr. Terrance Johnson, NYC representative for the St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital, was the students’ very special guest of honor for the evening. Dinner guests had the unique opportunity to learn more about the incredible work performed and myriad programs provided by St. Jude as Mr. Johnson was warmly welcomed at tables throughout the night. He offered, “The students did a great job. This was an outstanding event. We applaud you!” Mr. Johnson will return to Rahway in a few weeks to be formally presented with a check for $10,000 by the students who participated in this debut event.
Not all lessons can be taught in a classroom, nor can they be found in a book. There can be no greater joy than the joy of giving. Experience is this lesson’s best teacher. Our students are sincerely grateful to every branch of their community who came together to provide this experience.
