Chef Gary Cardill’s, instructor at the Wetzel County Technical Career Center had a surprise last week for his students when they discovered they were preparing a roasted whole hog for the New Martinsville Rotary luncheon.

Originally the planned luncheon was going to be held in early November. Unfortunately, the students were enrolled in a competition in Morgantown. Another date in November was not available for the Superintendent of West Virginia Schools. It was planned for her to visit the Wetzel County Career Tech Center and speak to the members of the Rotary, and members of the Wetzel County education staff.

With the only date available before Christmas, it was decided that December 17th would be the day of the luncheon. The main course, a fifty-pound roasted pig, apple in its mouth and all fixings.

The pig required twelve to fifteen hours to be fully cooked. The trouble was, school on Monday and Tuesday was cancelled due to weather conditions. Nevertheless, Chef Cardill began the cooking process on time to be ready for the next day’s guests.

Chef Cardill explained this was a good chance to prepare for the unexpected as part of the student training. Issues arise in the culinary world, and a good chef needs to be prepared to change course and try to keep things in line and on time. He and his team of students accomplished that task. For many of the guests the main course was a total surprise. The pig was laid out and each guest served themselves.

The New Martinsville Rotary has twice now used the services of the center. It gives the members an opportunity to support local educators in their efforts to provide education in what may be called blue collar jobs. With the offering of welding, electrical, nursing, mechanical engineering and culinary school, the mission of the center that started seven years ago by Amanda McPherson from an empty building has grown. It is now one of the premier tech centers in the state. The meal helped to demonstrate to Superintendent Blatt, the excellent diversity of educational opportunities being provided to students in Wetzel County.

Currently, Director J.C. Kimble has guided the center since McPherson moved on to the county technical director and nurse position manager. Under Kimble guidance the enrollment has grown from a couple dozen students to over one hundred.

Fifty-five guests took part in the meal and the work of the students was well received by those who selected their piece of the piggy. Chef Cardill and his students are looking forward to their next catering assignment.