by Maxwell Kozlov

Culinary arts teacher David Ginivisian was hired last week as a co-manager of the Tiger’s Loft, and he will also be teaching two exploratory classes.

He has been a chef for over 20 years and has worked in food service for 33 years. Before starting to work at this school, he was a teacher at Somerville High School. He has also trained people for various culinary jobs.

Ginivisian said he is “intrigued with the very good program here, and all of the students are very respectful and are eager to learn.”

Culinary arts teacher Lisa Mckinney said, “I look at him and I see new chances and possibilities for our students.”

The previous culinary teacher resigned mid-year, and she said that someone needed to help out in the Tiger’s Loft.

“It’s a relief to have someone here helping me,” she said. “For the past few months I have been here from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. trying to do everything at once.”

Ginivisian said he has already thought about his future in the Tiger’s Loft. “I wouldn’t have come here if I wasn’t planning to stay for a long time.”

“When looking at the interviewees, Ginivisian really stuck out because all of his answers were from the perspective of the students,” McKinney said.

“This is a student-based program––we benefit the kids whenever possible. I’m most impressed with Ginivisian’s ability to connect with students,” she said.