Knightly News

During this special time of year, we’re reminded of how thankful we are for the dedicated staffers who work hard to provide great food in Episcopal School of Baton Rouge’s Webster Refectory. Here are four reasons to be thankful for the team this season.

1.       A Cornucopia of Healthy Choices

The Webster Refectory team’s work ensures that Episcopal students have the nutrition they need to fuel their brains for learning. The farm-to-table approach highlighted by the greenhouse is just one way the refectory staff is focused on healthy meal options. This year, the salad bar has returned, and the coffee shop is once again operational. Chef Pat partnered with Episcopal graduate Hayden Pizzolato ’14 with Southside Produce to acquire more fresh fruits. Similar to the snack options available for Upper School students, these fresh fruit varieties are now readily available for Lower and Middle School students. In addition, a new healthy food vending machine was added to campus near the gyms. The other two machines dispense healthy snacks in the Alumni House dining hall.

2.       Beyond the Refectory

These caring professionals serve up love and kindness with each tray, and their community contributions reach well beyond the refectory. On any given day you may find Chef Pat and new Sous Chef Joel Valentine getting their hands dirty in the Episcopal greenhouse. The two recently installed the new Bato Bucket hydroponic system which will support vigorous growth of vining plants like cucumbers. Lower School students planted a variety of seeds that will ultimately produce a crop the entire community can enjoy. “We’re going to be able to feed the whole school with what you just did,” Chef Pat advised the excited young farmers.

The team’s contributions also extend to co-curricular activities. Attend just about any Episcopal game day contest and you are sure to encounter the refectory’s Tasha Lemon. Lemon works hard to keep the concession stand going while supporting the student athletes. Lemon and the refectory team also ensure that athletic traditions like the weekly football pie continue each season.

3.       Gratitude for Tray Helpers

Gratitude for the Webster Refectory staff includes the army of parent and family volunteers who are on campus to help students this year. Tray helpers report to Webster Refectory each morning to assist students in all Lower School grades. Early childhood tray helpers assist the refectory team with placing student trays at each seat before students arrive. Once mealtime is over, tray helpers then assist with clearing trays. Kindergarten through fifth grade students look to the tray helpers for assistance with obtaining second portions of their favorite dishes. Having tray helpers available adds to the sense of community and family that exists when students gather in the refectory. It’s a great addition to campus life.

4.       Newcomer Contributions

We are happy to welcome the newest addition to the Webster Refectory team and we appreciate his early contributions. Joel Valentine has joined the group as the new Sous Chef. Learn more about Joel in his bio below:

Joel, husband of Katy Valentine, 7th grade English teacher, is an avid gardener, fixer, and runner.  Born and raised in Gonzales, Louisiana he has loved to cook from a very young age.  10-year-old Joel, inquisitive and curious, found his calling in his grandmother’s kitchen, watching her ways, and trying to be of help.  Living in Gonzales, Cajun fair was a deep tradition, often being cooked right around the corner.  One great driver of his passion for cooking is bringing the food to the people.  Growing up it was common to find Joel cooking dinner for the family.  His first restaurant job was working at The Cabin, and then it was off to Chef John Folse Culinary School at Nicholls State University.  Joel has had cooking experience at local restaurants like Drusilla’s, Sullivan’s and Sno’s, and banquet experience at The Marriott in New Orleans and White Oak Estate and Gardens. Joel shares Chef Pat’s excitement for healthy, nourishing food and is proud to bring new ideas to the plate and to the Episcopal community.

We invite you to spread the attitude of gratitude this year. Share your appreciation for someone in the Episcopal private school community in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.