Dec. 17, 2025
Noorthoek Academy has filled a gap in the community for post-high school special education for more than three decades. The academy provides students with foundational skills to help build confidence and support greater independence through valuable educational experiences for lifelong learners.
“We are grateful to Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). Their partnership for 36 years is such an incredible gift,” said Lyn VanTol, executive director of Noorthoek Academy. “Our students and our community are better because of this partnership.”
A Culinary Collaboration Begins
Recently, students had the opportunity to take part in a six-week cooking course hosted in collaboration with the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC. Under the guidance of Secchia chefs, Noorthoek students learned how to prepare healthy recipes from scratch.
The idea for the class initially began as a way to introduce basic nutrition skills, but Dr. Werner Absenger, program director and chef with the Secchia Institute, envisioned something bigger.
“To me, cooking means togetherness, and the heart of Noorthoek Academy is to bring people together,” Dr. Absenger said. “It felt like a perfect fit. It made more sense to have a hands-on cooking class for the students to learn by doing rather than just sit in a class hearing about nutrition.”
VanTol agreed.
“Our students are lifelong learners,” she said. “They’re eager to learn what healthy habits look like. Often, when they’re coming to class, they’ll pick up fast food. I wanted them to see that making food at home is healthier and less expensive — and that they can do it.”
Cooking As A Path To Connection
The lessons extended beyond knife skills and kitchen safety; they were opportunities to build friendships and confidence.
“I spent years and years in the business,” Dr. Absenger said. “It became apparent that my specific skill has an effect on people. When people break bread together, it makes a difference. Whether it’s health professionals, GRCC students or students with developmental disabilities, the outcome is always the same: People get to know other people. When we know other people, we let go of the preconceptions we have. That’s what food means to me; it brings us closer together.”
By the final session, students entered the kitchen with a clear sense of pride. Several students brought baked gifts and thank-you cards for Dr. Absenger, affectionately referred to as Dr. A, in gratitude for what the class meant to them.
“Dr. A brings a lighthearted energy to the class,” said Noorthoek student Sonia Pamerleau. “He not only makes cooking feel more attainable; he makes it fun. My favorite part has been the friendships we’ve built with both other Noorthoek students and GRCC students.”
During the closing class, students prepared an array of breakfast items. Each recipe offered a simple, hands-on approach to healthy cooking.
“I feel more confident in the kitchen now,” said student Kristen Laskowski. “I’m trying to stay away from things like chips. Now I have more fresh foods available and I feel more comfortable with my knife skills.”
Chefs and Students Learn From Each Other
Secchia Institute student chefs volunteered to lead the stations and support the learning environment.
“I love the teaching setting,” said Secchia Institute student Kaitie Belmore. “In general, I’ve seen everybody learns differently, so it’s a fun challenge to figure out how to teach different groups. Watching Noorthoek students grow in confidence has been such a joy. I know cooking did that for me too.”
Throughout the course, the kitchen was filled with laughter, determination and a shared goal of learning together. Student chefs led with patience and purpose, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable participating and contributing.
“It has been amazing watching the chefs rise to the occasion. They have become teachers,” VanTol said. “They’ve really come to understand our students — their limitations, but also their strengths. The confidence this class has produced is incredible. One student now talks about Noorthoek classes, which he never did before. His mom said he’s even talking to people he’s not familiar with about Noorthoek Academy, which is new for him. She gives full credit to the culinary arts class.”
During the final class, Jonah Borucki worked alongside his mother, Mary Borucki, and another Noorthoek student assembling yogurt parfaits.
“The GRCC students were super nice and had good skills to help us learn,” Jonah Borucki said. “They didn’t do things for us. They showed us how to do the task and let us do it ourselves. That is a fun way to learn. Dr. A is really kind and cares for us to be healthy. I used to be nervous about cooking when I’m older. Now I know how to cut vegetables and chicken. I want to learn more, and now I know I can.”
A Program That Sparks Hope
Once all the dishes were ready, the group proudly presented the meal they created for a group picture. Excited to enjoy the food and reflect on their work, students gathered around the table, sharing conversation and fellowship.
“Witnessing the partnership of GRCC and Noorthoek Academy students within the Secchia Institute has been truly magical,” said Mary Borucki. “Being given the chance to learn in a caring environment, especially for an individual with intellectual differences, is a gift. Observing the calm and synchronized work on that first day took my breath away.”
The cooking course highlighted Noorthoek Academy’s mission to create a space where students with different learning abilities can flourish.
“The partnership Dr. Absenger and Lyn VanTol have brought to life in this pilot program has sparked hope and inspiration in me as a caregiver and mom that I haven’t felt in years,” Mary Borucki said. “I’m so excited for Noorthoek Academy students to have more opportunities to learn and show the community all the things they can do.”
To learn more about Noorthoek Academy and how you can support their organization, visit http://www.noorthoekacademy.org/
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell