“This competition an excellent way for students to demonstrate their culinary and management knowledge,” said Rob Gifford, executive director of the MRA.  “Working with educators and mentors in the industry really connects the ProStart® curriculum to real life experiences.”  

Participating teams in the culinary competition will demonstrate their creative abilities through the preparation of a meal consisting of a starter, entree and dessert.  Their performance during the practical section will be observed and rated by judges from the industry as well as leading post-secondary colleges and universities.  Participating teams in the management competition will demonstrate their ability to analyze management situations that contain business dilemmas and to present a resolution to professionals with experience in the hospitality industry.  Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of the hospitality industry by competing in a Jeopardy "Quiz Bowl" format.  

The winning teams in the culinary and management competitions will be sent to Charlotte, NC to compete against other teams across the country at the National ProStart® Student Invitational taking place April 30-May 2, 2006.  

The Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational is sponsored by the MRA, American Express, Gordon Food Service, HDS Services, the International Food Services Executives Association, Michaels and Associates, and SYSCO Companies of Michigan.  

The participating schools are:  
Branch Area Career Center, Coldwater
Calhoun Area Tech Center, Battle Creek
Clare-Gladwin RESD, Clare
East Detroit High School, Eastpointe
Fruitport High School, Fruitport
GASC Technology Center, Flint
Huron High School, Ann Arbor
LATEC at Howell High School, Howell
Livonia Career Technical Center, Livonia
Mason Lake ISD, Scottville
Oakland Tech Center, NE, Pontiac
Oakland Tech Center, SW, Wixom
Oscoda Area Schools, Oscoda
Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, Canton
River Valley High School, Three Oaks
Riverview Community High School, Riverview
Saginaw Career Complex, Saginaw
SWWC at Saline High School, Saline
Van Buren tech Center, Lawrence
Warren Consolidated Schools, Sterling Heights    

 The ProStart® curriculum is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.  Students participate in paid internships where they are mentored by industry managers.  When students meet academic standards and complete a checklist of competencies, they are awarded the ProStart® National Certificate of Achievement that signifies they are well qualified to enter the industry workforce.

Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments.  The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.