WHS students turn global research into delicious creations

Washingtonville High School students recently took their learning far beyond the classroom, blending research, creativity and teamwork in a hands-on “Pizzas Around the World” competition led by food and nutrition teacher Michelle Campbell.

The project challenged students to explore global cuisines, studying traditional ingredients, regional flavors and cooking techniques before designing their own culturally inspired pizzas. The result was a wide range of bold, inventive creations that reflected not only culinary knowledge but a willingness to take risks.

“The goal was to get students thinking beyond a typical recipe,” Ms. Campbell said. “They had to research, collaborate and then bring those ideas to life in a way that was both creative and authentic. It really pushed them to connect what they learn in class to the world around them.”

The experience culminated in a tasting event, where teachers served as judges, evaluating each pizza on flavor, presentation and cultural accuracy. Among the standout entries was the winning Polish-inspired pizza created by the Spice Girls team, consisting of students Ethan Cruz, Kiera Farina, AJ Jacobson, Caroline Korba and Riley Parker.

Their dish featured a rich tomato sauce blended with sour cream and a light roux, infused with allspice and marjoram, then topped with Gouda, mozzarella, bacon, kielbasa and chives — an inventive take that balanced tradition with originality.

As Spice Girls member Caroline Korba explained, the process was anything but simple.

“We were assigned Eastern Europe and Asia, and at first we were completely stumped,” she said. “We kind of reverse-engineered the recipe by deciding on toppings first, and ended up building a Polish-inspired pizza from there. It felt like a shot in the dark at times, especially with the time constraints, but once we divided up the work, everything started to come together.”

Beyond the cooking itself, students also incorporated cultural elements into their presentations. The Spice Girls even brought in Polish nesting dolls, provided by Kiera’s mom, to enhance their display and add a visual connection to the region they studied.

Projects like this highlight the deeper value of hands-on learning. Students practiced research skills, problem-solving, time management and collaboration, all while engaging in a real-world application that made the lesson memorable.

The impact extended beyond the classroom as well. In partnership with Brother Bruno’s Pizza, the winning team’s creation is being featured as a special on Monday, April 20, with students’ photos displayed in the shop. Winners also received a free slice, bringing a community connection to their classroom success.

Go get yourself a slice today!