Molly Niederhelm, 11, held the frosted cake as she spoke. “This cake is a family recipe,” said Niederhelm.

At the Thursday, Jan. 28 Stepping Out Club meeting, numerous students, brought in foods particular to their respective families or cultures. The party allowed the club members to not just eat, but to bond with one another.

“It’s like a tradition, we do it every year with birthdays,” said Niederhelm. In this way, Niederhelm’s cake was a family recipe.

Before the students ate, they were allowed to explain their foods, and whether it is specific to his or her family or culture.

“This potato salad is a family recipe,” said Rebecca Freeman, 12.

Following the optional explanations, the club members were allowed to take a portion of the foods to eat. Afterwards, club president and vice president Becca Woods, 11, and Annie Blood, 10, prompted the attendants to go to one of three stations: a table for either coloring, painting, and conversation.

The members were excited at all three stations. This zeal was most obvious at the conversation table, where everyone sitting at the table was asked a question as an ice breaker.

“I have a cat named Kit-Kat,” said Bradi Banner, 10, upon being asked whether or not she had a pet.

Just prior to the club meeting, which definitely accomplished Stepping Out Club’s goal of allowing all students to interact, Blood had an announcement about the next meeting regarding the club’s T-shirts.

If you have a T-shirt, wear it on the day of our next meeting,” said Blood.

– Posted: Thu, Feb 04 2010 12:18:47 PM EST by Moriah Krawec