Bishop Kenny welcomes back a familiar face to the faculty this year: Family Consumer Science teacher and BK alum, Mrs. Gabrielle Bakkar.

A member of the Class of 2020, Bakkar returns to the school that helped shape her, now stepping into the role of educator.

“I had teachers who made a huge impact on me,” Bakkar said. “That’s what inspired me to become a teacher. I wanted to make that same kind of difference in someone else’s life.”

Bakkar’s connection to Bishop Kenny runs deep. During her time as a student, she participated in athletics as a member of the soccer team and attended prom, where she met her future husband. Her family also owns a local ice cream shop, adding a personal touch to her background.

One unique detail from her life?

“I’m the daughter in-law of the prior Family Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Bakkar,” she shared with a smile. “It’s kind of a fun story.”

Returning to Bishop Kenny as a teacher has been a smooth transition, she says.

“I loved the students right away,” Bakkar said. “They’re respectful, kind, and have strong morals. There’s something special about BK students that you don’t find everywhere.”

The Family Consumer Science course, sometimes called Home Ec, introduces students to practical life skills essential for life beyond the classroom. The curriculum includes instruction in nutrition, meal planning, food preparation and budgeting. Students also learn about child development, career readiness and time management.

Bakkar’s classroom is equipped with modern kitchen stations and learning tools that support hands-on instruction. The course is designed to meet state educational standards and provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge through projects and collaborative activities.

Enrollment in Family Consumer Science is majority freshman and senior enrollment. The course fulfills elective credit requirements and is part of Bishop Kenny’s broader initiative to expand career and technical education offerings.

With high expectations and a heart full of BK pride, Bakkar says she is ready to make her mark in the Family Consumer Science classroom. Whether she’s teaching cooking, budgeting or life skills, she is committed to equipping students with the tools they need to thrive beyond high school.

infographic by Maddie Thompson