A unique educational opportunity is just around the corner forthird graders at Brookhaven Elementary School.

The students will participate in Cool Kids Cafe, where they willhave a chance to display their knowledge by serving as waiters,waitresses, attendants and assistant cooks, from October 10-13.

“It’s a good learning experience for them to use math skills andsocial skills,” said Third Grade Teacher Betty Ann Williams.

The students, with the assistance of parents and teachers, willset up tents outside the school during lunchtime and serve food tocustomers.

“We will have hamburger plates, chicken sandwich plates and hotdog plates for $3 each,” said Williams, adding that chips anddrinks are included.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Blair E. BatsonChildren’s Hospital in Jackson.

The fourth annual event will be open to the public. Around 250people are usually served, so school officials urge the public tomake reservations for the 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. sittings bycalling 833-3139.

“We encourage people to come out and support Brookhaven Schoolsand Cool Kids Cafe and have a wonderful lunch with the coolest kidsin town,” said Third Grade Teacher Tina Morgan.

Students bring a special ambiance to the cafe by wearingbrightly-colored sunglasses and other head pieces.

Morgan said the students really enjoy the cafe and many previousparticipants still talk about how fun the learning experience wasfor them.

Third grade teachers said the event would not be possiblewithout the assistance of the third grade assistants, Annie Tannerand Eva Cupit. Parents also play a big role in the cafe’ssuccess.

“The only way we can do it is with a lot of help,” saidWilliams.

Students will not only serve good food with a smile, they willalso have an added novelty for their customers.

“We have a little craft store with crafts made by the children,”said Morgan.

Students, teachers and parents are looking forward to thefour-day event, and hope the weather will be favorable, but theshow will go on if it rains, said Williams.

“In case the weather is bad we have an alternative plan, but wehope we don’t have to use it,” she said.