Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2024
Media Contacts:
High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship
Top Five Teams from Michigan ProStart Pasta Competition created winning dishes and learn from hospitality industry leaders
Top Five Teams from Michigan ProStart Pasta Competition created winning dishes and learn from hospitality industry leaders
HARBOR SHORES, Mich. - The top five high school teams from the 2024 Michigan ProStart Pasta Competition, hosted by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation (MHF), showcased their culinary talents at the prestigious KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship's Beyond the Green program, held at the Harbor Shores Golf Club. These talented students not only engaged in educational sessions but also captivated audiences with a special culinary showcase featuring their award-winning pasta dishes.
The event was a unique opportunity for these young aspiring chefs from Bay Arenac ISD, RCTC Ypsilanti, Gaylord High School, Allegan ESA, and DCTC Riverview High School to gain insight into the hospitality industry and explore various career pathways. As part of the Beyond the Green program, they participated in sessions led by renowned chefs, learning about the diverse career options in hospitality and gaming.
“The Michigan Hospitality Foundation is honored to partner with KitchenAid for the statewide ProStart Competition which has led to these new and unique experiences for students in our state interested in curating a lifelong career in our industry,” said Amanda Smith, Executive Director of the MHF.
During the event, the schools participated again in a pasta competition of their own that was judged by KitchenAid celebrity chef and two local Benton Harbor students to represent a people’s choice vote. DCTC Riverview High School was crowned the grand champion with their
Red Coconut Curry Pasta creation. Students were required to create their pasta, mother sauce and garnishes using a KitchenAid mixer and two butane burners.
“All of the teams works together beautifully, executing their plates as developed and practiced, and are going home with brand new KitchenAid mixers of their own,” added Smith.
Teams competing in the Pasta Category at the statewide Michigan ProStart Competition are given just 60 minutes to craft a handmade pasta and then add their own creative touch to a mother sauce to create a stand-out pasta dish. KitchenAid is the sponsor of the Pasta Category at the annual competition.
Annually, more than 6,400 Michigan students at 86 high schools and career centers participate in the ProStart curriculum. It is a two-year high school program that connects the classroom to the restaurant and foodservice industry.
The event was a unique opportunity for these young aspiring chefs from Bay Arenac ISD, RCTC Ypsilanti, Gaylord High School, Allegan ESA, and DCTC Riverview High School to gain insight into the hospitality industry and explore various career pathways. As part of the Beyond the Green program, they participated in sessions led by renowned chefs, learning about the diverse career options in hospitality and gaming.
“The Michigan Hospitality Foundation is honored to partner with KitchenAid for the statewide ProStart Competition which has led to these new and unique experiences for students in our state interested in curating a lifelong career in our industry,” said Amanda Smith, Executive Director of the MHF.
During the event, the schools participated again in a pasta competition of their own that was judged by KitchenAid celebrity chef and two local Benton Harbor students to represent a people’s choice vote. DCTC Riverview High School was crowned the grand champion with their
Red Coconut Curry Pasta creation. Students were required to create their pasta, mother sauce and garnishes using a KitchenAid mixer and two butane burners.
“All of the teams works together beautifully, executing their plates as developed and practiced, and are going home with brand new KitchenAid mixers of their own,” added Smith.
Teams competing in the Pasta Category at the statewide Michigan ProStart Competition are given just 60 minutes to craft a handmade pasta and then add their own creative touch to a mother sauce to create a stand-out pasta dish. KitchenAid is the sponsor of the Pasta Category at the annual competition.
Annually, more than 6,400 Michigan students at 86 high schools and career centers participate in the ProStart curriculum. It is a two-year high school program that connects the classroom to the restaurant and foodservice industry.
About ProStart
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. In Michigan, 86 high schools and career centers use the ProStart curriculum with more than 6,400 students participating. For more information about ProStart, contact Amanda Smith at 800-968-9668 or visit www.mihf.org/prostart
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. In Michigan, 86 high schools and career centers use the ProStart curriculum with more than 6,400 students participating. For more information about ProStart, contact Amanda Smith at 800-968-9668 or visit www.mihf.org/prostart
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
###
