Wednesday’s Warrior: Waterbury students learn to make pizza from local eatery

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Getting a taste of business and some good pizza
some Waterbury students received a hands-on lesson thanks to volunteers from a local pizzeria.

Waterbury Wilby High School students get a savory treat.

“The kids are so excited. It’s just a great opportunity,” Wilby High School Culinary Arts Instructor Kirk Palladino said.

Members from Dominic’s and Vinnie’s volunteering, teaching culinary students how to make their famous from scratch.

“Three-quarters of a cup of sauce. And I thought, That’s a perfect way to introduce these kids to making pizzas and, give them a little, taste of, a business. You got it. Keep going,” Owner of Domenic’s and Vinnie’s Pizza Michael Annenberg said.

It’s a win-win for both the pizzeria owner and students.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time. And basically our workforce, our kids. So when I have a chance to show somebody these kids what to do, we’re going to make bacon this time, real easy topping. And I may get a couple of employees out of it. It has a bunch of, rewarding benefits. Little more. You get a little more,” Annenberg said.

Out making the pizza and enjoying the fruits. Or in this case, meats of their labor.

“Now we could go home and, like, teach our, like, younger brothers and sisters, you know, like, just help,” Wilby High School Junior Krystalee Crespo said.

Culinary arts teacher Mr. Palladino says it best. It’s all about investing in our youth. So they can reach their full potential.

“But the kids definitely need to learn hands-on, hands-on things, and their durability is quite remarkable. The stuff they’re capable of doing,” Palladino said.

Teachers, volunteers and students hungry for pizza and success make them warriors.

“That is your first Wilby Wildcat Pizza.”

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