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At Xavier Jesuit Academy, the partially renovated kitchen is where fifth-grade students gather around the counter, carefully layering yogurt, granola, and fruit into clear cups. Phil Schneider, founder of the XJA Cooking Club and member of the school's Philanthropy Committee, oversees this activity. His passion for culinary education is evident as he guides students through creating parfaits.
"We're somewhat limited here at the beginning of our cooking club experience," Schneider explains. "Unfortunately, we don't have an operating stove, a hood, fryers, or an oven. So it makes being in the cooking club a much more creative process because we get to do more with less."
From Worcester to Cincinnati
Schneider brings valuable experience to XJA, having previously established a cooking club at the Nativity School of Worcester, another Nativity Miguel Network school, where he served as a teaching fellow after college. That program continues today, and Schneider hopes to replicate its success in Cincinnati.
"Nativity Miguel Network schools are great," says Schneider. "We're excited to bring this model to Cincinnati, my hometown. It's something where we know that this model works."
The educational approach at Xavier Jesuit Academy focuses on small class sizes and an extended school year—elements that Schneider believes are "really important when you're thinking about character development and academic development."
Creative Culinary Solutions
Despite kitchen limitations, the Cooking Club has found innovative ways to provide students with culinary experiences. They focus on no-heat recipes like parfaits or occasionally use electric skillets for simple cooking projects.
"We're going to try and do what we can to give the best experience for the students in the cooking club," Schneider says. "Now the goal would be, however, to have an incredible kitchen that we can share both with the community as well as the boys here, as they transition into aspiring young culinary artists."
Building for the Future
Currently, the Cooking Club serves 10 fifth graders who rotate quarterly, ensuring all students have an opportunity to participate. As Xavier Jesuit Academy grows, so do the program's needs.
"The larger we grow, the more needs we have," Schneider notes. "It's essential that we have the tools to support this growing activity for students, both in terms of volunteers and material in the kitchen."
Schneider envisions a future where the program becomes self-sufficient rather than relying on outside resources. With proper equipment—including a working oven, hood, and range—the Cooking Club could enhance students' culinary education and serve as a community outreach program.
How You Can Help
Xavier Jesuit Academy seeks support to upgrade its kitchen facilities and expand the Cooking Club program. Those interested in volunteering or contributing resources can contact the XJA Advancement Office.
Through programs like the Cooking Club, XJA continues its mission of forming "men for others" by providing hands-on learning experiences that build skills and character in line with the school's core values of being faith-filled, intellectually competent, committed to doing justice, and open to growth.
