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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| May 4, 2006 |
517/377-3931 |
Fruitport HS students take second place at National ProStart® Student Invitational in Charlotte, NC
Champs at state competition earn runner-up honors at national event
LANSING – A team of culinary students from Fruitport High School took second place at the National ProStart® Student Invitational, presented by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Fruitport team took the runner-up position in a contest featuring elite teams from all over the country in a culinary competition.
The ProStart® Student Invitational is an annual competition that features teams of students – who first win their state competitions – from across the country testing their skills in culinary creation and situation management. The 2006 Michigan ProStart® Student Invitational took place on March 6 and 7, with Fruitport High School’s squad taking first prize.
Illinois boasts this year’s winning team while South Carolina took third place.
The Fruitport High School team demonstrated their creative abilities through the preparation of a meal consisting of an entire meal, including starter, 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.
As the second place team, each member received $3,500 a year, for two years, to attend the college or university of their choice. They also received college scholarships from some of the top culinary schools and programs in the country – including the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson and Wales University, Kendall College and the Orlando Culinary Academy – and a variety of other prizes. The Fruitport students also received scholarship money for their first-place finish in the Michigan competition.
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 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.
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