Fleek, a teacher for 33 years, will retire at the end of the school year. When she taught at Charleston High, the international luncheon was such a popular event that she brought the idea with her when she began teaching at Capital 12 years ago. She said the event takes cooperative efforts of students along with all foreign language teachers at Capital High. Some students say they study a foreign language just so they can participate in the international luncheon. In order to participate, students must be currently enrolled in French, Spanish or Latin.
Dishes usually pertain to the language and country they are studying.
However, some students who have been influenced by friends or relatives from other countries choose to share a recipe to reflect that culture. The kids will have food they've never had before. Students gain culinary skills as well shopping experience as they search for unusual ingredients. They learn to follow recipes and make dishes appealing to the eye as well as the palate. There were puddings, pastries, pies and cookies.