Boerne ISD mixer showcases students’ talents

Chamber praised for supporting learners

CONNIE MCFALL CLARK

Star Contributor

Tasty treats and competition among young chefs provided the highlight of the second annual Taste of Boerne ISD mixer with the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, organizers said. The event Sept. 24 kicked off with English and Spanish songs performed by Fabra Elementary School’s Grupo los Halcones mariachi group. “People often ask how Taste of Boerne ISD got started. The idea really grew from seeing how much people enjoyed Boerne Chamber mixers,” said Yvette Reyna, a Boerne Independent School District spokeswoman. “So we created that same energy in our schools to make it an unforgettable experience that showcases the incredible talent of our students.”

Boerne ISD Culinary Arts teams — with 400 to 500 students involved in the program — presented appetizers and mocktails.

The teams winning an opportunity to showcase their treats were named for the sponsors of the event: Westover Hills Church’s Fellowship of Flavor; Texas Regional Bank Taste Team; Fair Oaks Emergency Room’s Flavor First Responders; and Frost Bank’s Frost Bites.

Chamber members voted on their favorites, using student-created 3-D printed coins.

The Best Appetizer award was presented to Westover Hills Church’s Fellowship of Flavor and the Best Beverage award went to Texas Regional Bank Taste Team.

The awards were also designed and created by students.

The mixer had a “Biesta!” theme — a play on the word fiesta — celebrating Fabra’s dual language campus.

Live music was provided by Boerne-Champion High School’s Honors Orchestra and Jazz Choir.

Boerne Middle School North’s Jazz Band ended the musical portion of the taste fest.

The entertainment was emceed by Borne ISD Fine Arts Coordinator Dawn Adamek.

Fabra Principal Troy Latiolais said the school is one of four dual-language campuses for prekindergarten through fifth grade in the district. The goal is to have students be bilingual, bilateral and bicultural in English and Spanish.

The Boerne High School and Champion Blooms career and technical education programs create bouquets to greet Chamber members as they entered.

Kim Blohm, the Chamber’s president and CEO, praised business owners and leaders for working with BISD students, mentoring them and hiring them.

Boerne Superintendent Kristin Craft thanked attendees for supporting the mixer, which showcased pupils’ culinary, visual and performing arts.

“It’s all about what we call the ‘Boerne Advantage’ as an A-rated school for seven years in a row,” Craft said. “Our teachers and students are rocking it every single day. We thank all our partners. The Chamber is amazing for connecting students to opportunities.”

“The (Greater Boerne Chamber of) Chamber is amazing for connecting students to opportunities.”

-- Kristin Craft, Boerne ISD superintendent