Chef Connor Curtis, a Hampton Bays High School alumnus has spent the last four years as the Culinary teacher at Hampton Bays High School. Since starting at the high school he has been expanding the culinary program day-by-day.
Chef Curtis had transitioned from a job at the Southampton Bathing Corporation after realizing his passion for training staff made him want to teach. Despite not initially viewing his role at Southampton Bathing Corporation as teaching, he found joy in showcasing his culinary interests. In 2022 Chef Weiss, who previously ran the Hampton Bays High School culinary program, retired and created an opportunity for Chef Curtis to enter the teaching field. The culinary program encourages creativity and community involvement among students.
Chef Curtis emphasizes the significance of hospitality and sharing personal passion through cooking. One piece of advice for young culinary students from Chef is, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, be creative, and try to explore the menu when you’re out to eat.” Chef always emphasizes exploring the menu because he was someone who was a “chicken finger connoisseur” when he was younger. Once he started to branch out past chicken fingers, it opened up a whole new world.
The newest part of the culinary program, the Culinary Club, which officially started this year allows open enrollment and is an opportunity for students not enrolled in culinary classes to become involved in the field. The club includes community service and hands-on learning. Students contribute to school events and are able to feel a sense of achievement and involvement. Senior Carlos Soria said he has been able to help cater for events such as the New York State Council of School Superintendent Fall Leadership Summit, Bilingual Parent Nights, and the Valedictorian- Salutatorian Luncheon.
The hands-on learning in culinary class differs from regular academic experiences as it teaches students how to go into real world experiences with the skills they learn. Chef Curtis enjoys seeing students’ growth and excitement about cooking, noting how he has a sense of responsibility for their involvement. Chef Curtis finds fulfillment in teaching culinary skills by creating passion and creativity in students and involving them in hands-on experiences that prepare them for future culinary events while also contributing in a great way to the community.
