“Cheers!”
Two attendees clinked their sample cups of sunrise sausage bowls before taking a bite as laughter and conversation filled the cafeteria at Seguin High School.
The Arlington community gathered for the annual Taste of Arlington ISD event, where students unveiled 12 new menu items set to debut in school cafeterias during the 2026-27 school year. Parents, students, staff, and community members sampled everything from stuffed pork peppers to chicken teriyaki hoagies while meeting some of the students behind the recipes.
The event transformed the cafeteria into a celebration of food, creativity, and student achievement. Long lines formed at tasting stations as guests eagerly sampled the new offerings, while students proudly shared the inspiration behind their creations.
“I love that I get to connect with everyone who’s here,” said Quinctin Sims, a Seguin student. “We asked people what they would want in the cafeteria, and everyone seemed to love spicy food, so that’s what we did. We have crunchy chicken with soft mac and cheese on top, and it creates the most delicious bite.”
As guests shared feedback and compared favorites, a steady wave of approval echoed throughout the room.
Arlington ISD Food and Nutrition Services Head Chef Refugio Palacios said the event gives students a chance to showcase their work while involving the community in the district’s menu development process.
“There’s a lot of work behind the By Students 4 Students program,” Palacios said. “I’m so happy with the turnout this year. Everyone is here to enjoy the hard work of the students and staff.”
More than just a tasting event, A Taste of Arlington ISD provided an opportunity for students to see the community embrace their ideas firsthand. For many participants, watching guests enjoy their recipes was just as rewarding as seeing them added to the menu.
As the evening came to a close, one thing was clear: Arlington ISD’s newest menu items had already earned plenty of fans before ever reaching the cafeteria line.
Learn more about Arlington ISD’s By Students 4 Students culinary program: