Kearney High School students are getting a real taste of Real World Learning thanks to a new partnership with Giambalvo's Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta. KHS Advanced Foods students are working with the Giambalvo’s team on a seven-month creative collaboration where they design a new specialty pizza each month, from flavor concept to cost control.

This project came together through the work of KSD Career Readiness Coordinator Emmy Berry and Kassidy Robertson, who teaches the Advanced Foods class at KHS. Together, they’ve built an experience that lets students practice culinary skills, menu development and business strategy in an authentic setting. Earlier this fall, Giambalvo’s staff visited the classroom, hosted students for a field trip to their kitchen and helped run a student “pitch day,” where our Bulldogs presented their ideas and recipes.

The first student-created pizza hit the menu in October with the Hallows Eve, which featured orange beer cheese, grilled chicken and mozzarella, and was created by Kearney High School student Annalyn Carver.

Two new student creations are being featured during the holiday season:

• Pumpkin Delight Dessert – a cozy, fall-inspired dessert pizza with pumpkin purée, allspice, cream cheese, candied toasted pecans, caramel drizzle and a dusting of powdered sugar. Created by culinary student Adalyn Morgan.
• Winter Wonderland Wreath – pepperoni, sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil leaves for a festive, “spiced-up Margherita” Christmas pizza. Created by culinary student Audrey Lay.

We are grateful to Giambalvo’s for opening their kitchen and business to our students, and to Ms. Berry and Mrs. Robertson for leading this work with so much vision and heart. Partnerships like this help show Kearney High School students the many paths available to them, both in school and beyond.

If you’re able, stop by Giambalvo's Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta, try the student specials and help us celebrate these talented KHS culinary creators!