NORFOLK – On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Northeast Community College’s Agriculture Department held an Etiquette Banquet for students. The banquet started at 4:30 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m. It was held in the Lifelong Learning Center. This is the second year of the semi-annual banquet. This year over 75 students and teachers attended.

The banquet started off with the young men and women learning how to tie a tie, and learn proper hat etiquette. At 5 p.m. a presentation on the history and importance of the handshake, following how to make a good first impression. From 5; 30 p.m. to 6 p.m., there was a “mocktail” party. During this “mocktail” party, students socialized with each other and learned proper etiquette, and what to talk about and what not to talk about.

During the dinner, students learned the proper place setting for knives, forks, spoons, plates, glasses, and plates. They were taught what utensil to use and when. Napkin and silverware signals were also explained. During the meal, students conversed with each other while remaining professional.

Tara Smydra, who is in charge of the banquet, stated that everything taught in the banquet was a prep for an all-day interview, which is becoming more popular amongst employers. “More and more in the agriculture field, there’s a lack of professionalism, this banquet helps get our students to become ‘polished'” Smydra said.

Sally Nooman, a certified etiquette and agriculture instructor, held the presentation. She stated that manners, overall, are putting other ahead of yourself and showing them respect. Nooman’s personal interest in manners came from her visit to the South when she was younger. “Manners are the lubricating oil in society, an engine can’t run without oil,” Nooman said at the banquet, “society cannot run without manners.” Around 7 p.m., the banquet wrapped up with a question and answers.