Story & Photo by Bailee Council – Assistant Editor
A new school year calls for welcoming new faces to the LSN building. One of those many new faces is the culinary arts teacher, Tina Tillotson. As she starts this new chapter for not only herself but the school as a whole, Tillotson has started this year off on a high note, while she breaks into her new role and classroom. Previously, Tillotson taught at Blue Valley Academy for seven years, and at Hazelwood West High School in St. Louis for nine years. Before teaching culinary, Tillotson originally got her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration.
“I have always loved cooking and love watching students learn about cooking methods and flavor profiles to create amazing dishes…having a subject where my students get to move, be hands-on, and think critically throughout the cooking process makes it fun for me to teach,” Tillotson said.
Aside from teaching, Tillotson has been happily married for 18 years and is a mother to her three dogs.
“I had a 4th dog that passed away this summer. RIP to my Leia girl. All my dogs are named after Star Wars characters because my husband is a huge Star Wars fan,” Tillotson said.
Tillotson expresses that she and her husband enjoy spending their time together by going to car shows, and they even own a 1969 Chevy Chevelle. She loves to read, garden, cook, do crafts, spend time with friends and family, and watch TV.
“My hope is that I only have a “positive” impact either in their growth in Culinary, in their confidence, or in their skills for the future, ” said Tillotson.
As the school year progresses and more students discover this new light of a teacher, more will come to love her just as much as the rest. A new beginning for LSN, and all the new teachers, along with Tillotson, played their own role in helping develop a better staff and school for the future.
