Grade 6 students at St. Margaret’s came together for a day of service, storytelling and shared meals as part of the Middle School’s annual Heritage Cookbook Project, an interdisciplinary tradition that celebrates the family histories and cultural traditions behind the food they eat.

Led by Middle School World History teacher Rian Otto and English teacher Owen Beitner, the project invites students to explore their ancestry, connect with family members and share the recipes that hold meaning in their lives. What began as an innovative summer grant initiative has grown into a beloved annual tradition, bringing students and families together to celebrate the diversity of the St. Margaret’s community.

“Each new grade 6 class arrives with fresh stories and backgrounds,” Mr. Beitner said. “By sharing these personal narratives and favorite dishes together, we continue to strengthen the fabric of our Tartan community.”

The project combines lessons in history and English, encouraging students to examine their heritage through research, writing and personal reflection. In Mrs. Otto’s history classes, students created maps highlighting their families’ countries or regions of origin and developed presentations exploring their cultural backgrounds. Students shared their findings across both classes, prompting conversations about identity, ancestry and the traditions passed down through generations.

In English, students interviewed family members to uncover the stories behind cherished family recipes, learning how food can preserve memories and connect generations. “Each year, it’s incredibly heartwarming to see students take pride in their heritage and share their stories with classmates,” Mr. Beitner said.

The project included a day of service and celebration. Students began the morning with hands-on service at La Novia Farm before gathering for a grade 6 class meeting in the Commons Film Room. Two selected student speakers, Ana Maria and Felix, presented their heritage projects to their classmates, offering a closer look at the family histories and cultural traditions that shaped their work.

The celebration continued in the Middle School courtyard, where parents, grandparents and students gathered to share family recipes and dishes representing cultures from around the world. Tables filled with a variety of foods, including empanadas, potstickers, barbecue, noodles, and sweet treats, reflected the breadth of traditions represented in the grade 6 class.

Beyond the meal itself, the gathering offered students an opportunity to learn from one another, discover shared experiences and build connections across families and cultures. Through food and storytelling, the event transformed individual family histories into a collective celebration of community.

“It’s always a joy to see families come together to share their heritage and recipes with our hungry and appreciative grade 6 students,” Mrs. Otto said. “I enjoyed shopping for specific ingredients and collaborating with students on recreating dishes.”

According to Mrs. Otto, the event’s success also reflected the generosity of parent volunteers, whose time, participation and contributions helped bring the celebration to life. Parent volunteer involvement highlighted the central message of the Heritage Cookbook Project: that sharing family traditions creates opportunities for understanding, connection and a stronger sense of belonging.

Elsewhere in the Middle School, grade 7 advisory groups served at several local organizations, including Head Start Preschools in San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Senior Living, Fr. Serra’s Pantry, St. Margaret’s Church Infant Pantry, and Laura’s House. Grade 8 students visited the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, where they left letters of thanks for service members whose names are on the wall and listened to a St. Margaret’s professional community member and military veteran, Tito Cervantes, share his story. Members of the Irvine City Council and key community advocates who helped establish the memorial also attended. Afterward, families and loved ones joined students for a lively international potluck in the Middle School courtyard. 

Instagram caption:

St. Margaret’s grade 6 students came together for a day of service, storytelling, and shared meals as part of the Middle School’s annual Heritage Cookbook Project! 

Led by World History teacher Rian Otto and English teacher Owen Beitner, this beloved interdisciplinary tradition invites students to explore their ancestry, connect with family members, and share the meaningful recipes that tell their stories. 

What began as a summer grant initiative has grown into a cherished tradition celebrating the diverse stories, flavors, and families that make up the St. Margaret’s community. Because every recipe tells a story, and every story brings us closer together.