John Marshall High School students get view from the top in Oklahoma City

The senior class dined at Vast, the restaurant atop the Devon Tower, as part of a class called Senior Seminar.

The program is designed to prepare students for life, regardless of whether they go to college or the workforce, John Marshall Principal Aspasia Carlson said. Students learn about everything from budgeting to relationships to interviewing.

They also learn to navigate social settings, such as a formal, four-course meal at Vast.

“It is important that our students have these opportunities to learn the appropriate attire, manners and skills for all types of situations they may encounter,” Carlson said.

About 9 in 10 students at the school live at or near the poverty line, according to district statistics. The lunch at the restaurant was paid for by John Marshall teachers and staff, along with community groups and the school's foundation.

“The Colcord Hotel, which manages Vast, was gracious enough to offer us a special rate for this annual event,” Carlson said.