"Thank you! Happy 95th Birthday Mr. Schuler!" exclaimed a Marshall 7th grade student. It was one of the many comments received after 200 Marshall seventh graders attended an Etiquette Day luncheon at Schuler's Restaurant on May 12 and 13, 2004, held in honor of Schuler's 95th birthday.

Tina Munson a Captain on Schuler's wait staff, sets a plate in front of a Marshall 7th grader to show her the correct side to serve her from.

The students had a two-step lesson in good manners; first they learned about proper etiquette and table settings from two members of Schuler's wait staff. Server Captains Donna Barlond and Tina Munson gave the students their first etiquette lessons two weeks ago and were on hand to ensure that the students were confident when putting their skills to the test.

The young people returned this week to show off their polished skills with local community leaders in attendance. Georgia Marsh, one of the leaders said the experience was a benefit for our community as a whole. "This was extremely generous of Schuler's and it demonstrates the strength between businesses and the school system. It takes a village to teach children, and we are a village."

Many of the leaders spoke of the generosity of the entire Schuler's staff and the success of Etiquette Day. "The strength of the service team and their ability to accommodate the entire 7th grade class on a tight time table was exceptional," Marsh commented. The students noticed the staffs' hard work also; their comments varied from good service, all the way to complimenting the chef.

Sandy Burris noted that the students were nervous but, "I believe they will be able to avoid that in the future, given this opportunity."

Donna Barlond a Captain on Schuler's wait staff, explains the proper use of the many knives and forks on the table.

Hans Schuler, president and CEO of Schuler's, indicated that, "Hosting the students was a way we could give back to the community for the support the restaurant has received through the years. We attempted to ease the fears of young people by trying to help them learn the fundamentals of fine dining etiquette. Apparently it worked to a tee," he observed. "Patrons sitting nearby commented that they were impressed with how well behaved and polite the students were."

Guest Sue Hutchings said the students at her table were rather quiet, "It was obvious the students were not used to having discussion at the table with adults or their peers. It was a good learning experience."

Another community leader, John Coulter believed the students seated with him greatly benefited from the etiquette training received, "The kids were very interested in learning and this experience will help them in the long run."

Community leader Jared Klein commented on how well the students at his table demonstrated patience between the courses (four in all) rather then "digging in", they waited until the entire table was served.

Students were asked to fill out guest comment cards upon leaving the restaurant. From the response in the cards, apparently they felt the lessons taught were well worth their time. They commented on the excellent food, as well as on the excellent service staff waiting on them.

Following are some quotes culled from what the students had to say:

• "I really enjoyed my dining experience!" Tom Girigowski
  
• "Thank you, I had a good time!" Jordan Weck
  
• "Go there- best place I've ever been." Richard Terry
  
• "It's cool!" Kenny Smith
  
• "I thought the food was great. Enjoyed learning etiquette attitude." Emily Townsend
  
• "I would really like to work there." Amanda Holmquist
  
• "Food was very good the server was very nice." Mattie Damron
  
• "Very nice and enjoyable environment. It was enjoyable and very fun talking to accomplished adults." Joseph Day
  
• "It was a very good experience and I will remember it for a long time." Chelsea Ramon
  
• "Thank you for hosting our class." Abby Watters
  
• "The decorations on the inside are very cool." Blair Williams
  
• "I would tell others to wear good clothes." Brandon Jolin
  
• "Compliments to the chef." Kourtney Tabor
  
• "A 5 star restaurant." Stevie Whitt
  
• "Fantastic" Hillary Fidler
  

Marshall's Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joyce Phillips helped introduce the principals of good etiquette to the students at each of the four seatings.

Community leader Lucy Overhiser expressed delight that the entire 7th grade class was included in the event, rather then just a small group. She felt the event was wonderful, and spoke of discussion at her table, "We talked about many things, but the most interesting was whether the rules of etiquette will change because of the women's movement. The question was asked, if women should still be served first, in this modern time or if this is an old, out of date custom."

"Good manners will never be out of date, but customs will sometimes change and attempt to stay tuned into these changes," concluded Hans Schuler.

Back to Etiquette Day Story