Georgia school resource officer builds connections with students through ‘Cooking with a Cop’

A Henry County school resource officer is finding a new way to build trust with students — one recipe at a time.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Cpl. Kenyatta Williams, who serves at Hampton High School, started a monthly program called “Cooking with a Cop” during his second year at the school.

The class brings together about 30 students to learn cooking skills, explore different cultures and build relationships with law enforcement outside the usual school setting.

Williams, who loves to cook, has used the classes to introduce students to recipes from different cultural backgrounds.

During the group’s first meeting, which took place near the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, students split into teams to make traditional desserts and drinks, including tres leches cupcakes, churro cheesecake bars, arroz con leche, buñuelos and horchata.

Some students said the experience helped them see a different side of law enforcement.

TRENDING STORIES:

• ‘A violent crime’: 2 vehicles set on fire in front of house
• Georgia election 2026: Officials investigate alleged memory card issue in rural Georgia county
• Georgia Hunters for the Hungry seeks deer donations to fight food insecurity

“You can also see who the cop really is outside of their uniform,” senior Ray’Anya Rutherford said.

Williams said his role goes beyond keeping students safe at school.

“My job is not just to protect these kids here in the school,” Williams said. “It’s to be a mentor, an inspiration, and somebody that they can look up to.”

The program also gives students an opportunity to learn about each other’s backgrounds while working together.

“I just want the kids to understand that food brings people together, and while bringing people together, we can learn about stuff we never knew, just by cooking that one dish,” Williams said.

The group plans to cook foods tied to other cultural heritage months and prepare food for community events. Students are also raising money and seeking donations of food and supplies.

Their next class will focus on making cookie baskets for the school’s Toys for Tots drive.

Williams said he hopes the program helps students see the human side of law enforcement and feel more comfortable building relationships with officers.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]