#BetterTogether: Class Act with Chris Wragge highlights unique programs at Francis Lewis High School in Queens

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Class Act with Chris Wragge recaps our morning at Francis Lewis High School 02:18

NEW YORK -- Francis Lewis High School in Queens is home to some incredible programs that you don't see at every school, like its culinary and hydroponics departments. 

Students help tend a rooftop garden, where they grow fresh ingredients for others to use in the kitchen.

It offers a breath of fresh air, fresh vegetables and fresh take, with everyone feeding off each other's success.

CBS New York's Chris Wragge spent the morning in Fresh Meadows for our latest Class Act!

See live updates below.

 

Fun morning at Francis Lewis

Another Class Act with Chris Wragge in the books! See more from our morning at Francis Lewis High School: https://cbsloc.al/47xGOAe

Posted by CBS New York on Friday, December 1, 2023
By CBS New York Team
 

Cake for all!

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We joined in the Sweet 16 celebration for Sophia the turtle with another cake back in our studio. CBS New York

We joined in the Sweet 16 celebration with another cake back in our studio.

By CBS New York Team
 

Sophia's homemade cake

Class Act: Francis Lewis High School makes special birthday cake for Sophia the tortoise 02:26

Happy birthday, Sophia! Watch the students present her with a special birthday cake to share with her friends.

By CBS New York Team
 

Growing peace and produce in rooftop garden

Class Act: Students at Francis Lewis growing fresh skills in rooftop garden 01:41

Students tell CBS New York's Chris Wragge how the rooftop sanctuary helps with their education and emotional support.

By CBS New York Team
 

Sweet 16 for Sophia

Class Act: Francis Lewis High School throws Sweet 16 for tortoise Sophia 03:36

Not all superheroes wear capes -- in fact, some wear tutus. Case in point, Sophia the school's tortoise.

There's no bigger celebrity on campus. The little rock star has a boyfriend and a long list of admirers. 

Sophia serves as a mascot, therapy animal and comforting friend. 

Students helped create a special cake for her Sweet 16, made of her favorite flowers and cucumbers. 

By Chris Wragge
 

Feeding off each other's success

Class Act: Students at Francis Lewis High School learning to serve up success 08:23

Francis Lewis is a diverse school, where over 60 languages are spoken and it would take eight years to cover all the programs offered. 

The culinary program is only three years old, but it already has a line out the door and reservations are hard to come by. Some 350 students have come through the college program, and the coveted spaces book fast.

The school also has a rooftop sanctuary, where they grow a hydroponic garden to supply the kitchen and have a calming space.

CLICK HERE for a closer look at these unique programs.

By Chris Wragge
 

Sign up for a school visit

Does your high school have a special program, activity or event that you want us to know about? Let us know about it by filling out the form below. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

By CBS New York Team
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