|
| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney or Stacy Gonda |
| March 16, 2006 |
517/482-5244 |
Fruitport HS students take first place at Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational in Battle Creek
National competition in Charlotte, NC is next stop for state champs
LANSING – A team of culinary students from Fruitport High School took first place at the Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational, presented by the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) Educational Support Foundation at the McCamly Plaza Hotel in Battle Creek. The Fruitport team won a contest featuring 20 teams in a culinary competition.
The Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational is an annual competition that features teams of students from across Michigan testing their skills in culinary creation and situation management. The 2006 Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational took place on March 6 and 7.
The Fruitport High School team demonstrated their creative abilities through the preparation of a meal consisting of an entire meal, including appetizer, entrée and dessert. Their performance during the practical section was observed and rated by judges from the industry as well as leading post-secondary colleges and universities.
Following their first place finish in the Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational, the team will now head to Charlotte, North Carolina to compete against the very best teams from across the country at the National ProStart® Student Invitational taking place April 30 through May 2, 2006.
As the winning team, each member received college scholarships from some of the top culinary schools and programs in the country – including the Culinary Institute of America, Ferris State University, Johnson and Wales University, Kendall College and the Orlando Culinary Academy – as well as the MRA Educational Support Foundation. The winners also received culinary knife kits courtesy of Grand Rapids Community College.
Team members included Zak Killinger, Samantha McLean, Shae VanDonkelaar, and Brittni VanderYacht. Jessica Johnson was the alternate. They participated at this year’s event under the instruction of Michal Wheeler. 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 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.
|
