Fried chicken, dirty rice and beans, yams, greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, potato salad and chocolate cake were on the menu for Soul Food Night Feb. 29.

^{Nicole Barclay (l) and Jessica Spinks (r) breading chicken.}

“Soul Food Night is an annual tradition here at Keuka,” said Chevy DeVaney, director of multicultural affairs.

Five students helped prepare the meal: Nicole Barclay, Jane Palmer, Sara Scott, Tara Spencer, and Jessica Spinks.

^{Sara Scott (l) and Jane Palmer (r) frying chicken.}

But this wasn’t the average Soul Food Night. Sponsored by the Student Senate and Office of Multicultural Affairs, this year’s event honored students who assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief in the Gulf Coast.

^{Tara Spencer washing the greens.}

“In an early conversation with Kyle Prince, president of Student Senate, he mentioned that the senators had all agreed that the students who had so selflessly given of their time to assist with the Hurricane Katrina relief should be publicly recognized,” said DeVaney. “They also realized that some folks had graduated, but many others were still on campus.

“I suggested that Senate and Baku combine the events,” added DeVaney. “The students who were recognized seemed appreciative of the recognition. Senate wanted them to know that Keuka was not only proud of what they did, but of the example they set and continue to set for others.”

-- Tanya Cornell-Kestler