Georgia officer builds trust with high school students through cooking

A Georgia school resource officer is using food as a way to build stronger connections with students, launching a cooking program that blends mentorship, cultural education, and community involvement, WSB-TV reports. Cpl. Kenyatta Williams of the Henry County Police Department started “Cooking with a Cop” at Hampton High School, where about 30 students meet each month to learn culinary skills while getting to know law enforcement in a setting that goes beyond the usual school interaction.

According to the outlet, Williams introduced the program during his second year serving as the school’s resource officer, hoping to help students gain practical life skills while also strengthening their relationships with police. “My job is not just to protect these kids here in the school,” Williams said. “It’s to be a mentor, an inspiration, and somebody that they can look up to.” With Jamaican roots through his father and a strong passion for cooking, Williams brings his cultural background into the program by introducing students to international dishes.

His own specialties include jerk chicken and other traditional Jamaican meals, though the class explores recipes from a variety of cultures. The first class took place at the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. Students worked together in teams to prepare dishes such as tres leches cupcakes, churro cheesecake bars, arroz con leche, and buñuelos.

Beyond cooking, the program gives students a chance to build teamwork and leadership skills while interacting with officers in a more relaxed environment. “You can also see who the cop really is outside of their uniform,” Hampton High School senior Ray’Anya Rutherford said. Henry County Schools said Williams personally bought customized aprons for the students and also donated supplies to help support the initiative.

Students are now planning fundraisers and looking for donations to keep the program going. Future events will include more cultural celebrations and community service projects. Their next activity will be putting together cookie baskets for the school’s Toys for Tots drive.

Through “Cooking with a Cop,” Williams hopes students will develop a greater appreciation for different cultures while also building stronger ties with law enforcement. RELATED CONTENT: New Study: Confidence In Black People’s Relationship With Police Remains Unchanged Since 2020