Press Release
A JMCSS communication for families & community stakeholders
Liberty Tech Accepting Final Orders for Student-Prepared Thanksgiving Meals
Fundraiser provides experience while helping families enjoy stress-free holiday
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
JACKSON, Tenn. - Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and great food, and students in the Culinary Arts Program at Liberty Technology High School are ready to make holiday preparations a little easier for local families.
Under the direction of Culinary Arts Instructor Erma Johnson, students are in the final stages of accepting orders for their annual Thanksgiving meal fundraiser. The project gives students valuable hands-on experience while providing delicious, homemade holiday favorites for the community.
Families can choose from Thanksgiving classics, including Broccoli & Cheese Casserole, Hash Brown Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Chicken & Dressing, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, breads, cakes, cookies, and more. The deadline to place orders is Monday, Nov. 16. Click here for the full menu.
Above photo: Students in Liberty Technology High School's Culinary Arts program prepare meals for Taste of Liberty, the school's student-operated restaurant. A full commercial kitchen serves as the learning lab where students develop culinary, customer service, and food safety skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Through the program, students also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials before graduation, helping prepare them for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
"This project allows our students to apply the skills they've learned while serving the community," said Johnson. "Preparing Thanksgiving meals teaches students about food preparation, quality control, customer service, and time management. At the same time, we're helping families enjoy the holiday by taking some of the pressure off moms, grandmothers, and anyone responsible for preparing a big Thanksgiving meal. Let us do some of the cooking so they can spend more time making memories with loved ones."
The annual fundraiser is a real-world learning opportunity that mirrors the expectations students will encounter in professional kitchens and hospitality settings.
"Projects like this provide authentic workforce experience for students," said James Farmer, Chief Workforce Development Officer for Jackson-Madison County School System. "Students must establish production schedules, set goals, communicate effectively, and work together as a team to complete orders on time and meet customer expectations. These are the same skills employers value in today's workforce, and opportunities like this help prepare students for successful careers."
Above photo: The Liberty Technology High School Culinary Arts Program's Holiday Order Form features a complete menu of Thanksgiving favorites prepared by student chefs. Community members can place orders by contacting Culinary Arts Teacher Erma Johnson at ejjohnson@jmcss.org. Every order supports hands-on learning experiences that help students develop culinary skills and prepare for future careers in the food service industry.
In addition to Thanksgiving meal orders, community members are invited to enjoy a special Thanksgiving-themed lunch at Taste of Liberty, the student-operated restaurant at Liberty Technology High School, on Thursday, November 18. The restaurant is open most Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The upcoming Thanksgiving lunch will be available for $13 per person.
Liberty Technology High School Principal Dr. LaDonna Braswell said the Culinary Arts Program represents the innovation and excellence found throughout the school.
"Our students continue to make us proud through their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence," Braswell said. "Whether they are preparing meals in Culinary Arts, developing leadership skills through JROTC, gaining experience in Agriculture, or participating in one of our many other programs, Liberty students are learning valuable skills that will serve them well after graduation. This Thanksgiving project is another example of our students applying classroom learning in meaningful ways that benefit the community."
Above photo: In addition to Thanksgiving meal orders, the community is invited to enjoy a special Thanksgiving lunch at Taste of Liberty on Nov. 18. The student-operated restaurant gives Liberty Tech Culinary Arts students real-world experience preparing and serving meals in a professional setting while showcasing their talents for guests. Lunch is $13 per person.
Above photo: Students in Liberty Technology High School's Agriculture: Plant and Animal Science program feed koi fish raised on campus as part of a hands-on aquaculture learning experience. The school's impressive facilities provide students with opportunities to study water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental science while developing practical skills that connect classroom learning to real-world agricultural careers.
WOW | Word of the Week for November 1-November 7
Let's Talk! We want to hear from you.
There is nothing more important to our district than the health, safety, and well-being of our entire school community. Every voice matters, and we want to make it easy for you to communicate with your child's schools.
We’re introducing Let’s Talk, an online customer service solution that provides a convenient way for you to ask questions, request information, or share concerns.
Let’s Talk is available 24/7 from your phone, computer, or tablet, and includes staff-facing technologies that ensure you receive a timely, accurate response — every time. You can expect a response from us within two business days.