Skip to main content
Students from Oblong High School’s FFA and FBLA programs visited Lincoln Trail College for the annual Etiquette Luncheon, an event designed to teach professional dining skills, social etiquette, and networking strategies.
The luncheon, organized and led by LTC President Tona Ambrose, provides students with hands-on experience in formal dining settings.
“I often start the event by having students take a deep breath and then I promise that by the time they leave, they will know what to do with each and every fork, spoon, and knife spread out all around them,” Ambrose said.
Beyond table manners, the luncheon emphasizes social awareness, professional attire, and communication skills. Ambrose said the goal is to ensure students feel confident in formal dining situations, whether at a wedding reception, scholarship banquet, or business dinner.
The event began four years ago when Oblong High School’s FFA and FBLA leaders sought a way to introduce their students to professional etiquette. Since then, LTC has hosted the event annually, providing both the dining experience and a campus tour.
This year’s luncheon also marked a milestone for longtime Oblong High School FFA advisor Kerry Travis, who is set to retire at the end of the school year. To honor his contributions, Ambrose and the students made a special toast, offering a real-time lesson on how to give a proper toast at formal events.
The luncheon is a collaborative effort, with LTC faculty, staff, and community volunteers assisting in various roles. Taylor Newlin and her team at the Statesmen Grill prepare the five-course meal, while LTC faculty and staff serve as table hosts and servers. Ambrose said these interactions help students build early connections with LTC personnel, easing their transition should they choose to enroll at the college.
“Events like this help students develop confidence in professional settings while also fostering relationships that can benefit them in the future,” Ambrose said.
