The Culinary Arts class at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School is filled with pots, pans, burners and all sorts of kitchen gadgets.
But it’s quickly filling up with trophies and awards too.
Here are just a few of the trophies the LEE culinary students have won:
1st Place Gumbo.
1st Place Salsa.
1st Place Western Omelet.
1st Place Knife Skills.
“I have been super impressed with them,” said LEE Culinary Arts teacher Marnique Jourdan-Davis. “The fact that a lot of these students weren’t in the classroom last year and for us to already get big wins this year really speaks to their drive. They’ve practiced. They’ve come in. They’ve taken the time. I am really, really proud of them because they have stepped it up.”
Vanessa Castanon and Julia Guerrero are seniors on the award-winning Gumbo and Salsa teams. They both have plans to start restaurants or baking businesses after they graduate. They say the time they’ve spent in the LEE kitchen has been invaluable.
“It’s such a good experience, especially if you want to pursue a career in the kitchen,” said Castanon. “You learn a lot. You are always making something new.”
Guerrero added, “My favorite part of this class is working together to create good food. It’s really fun cooking with everyone.”
LEE Culinary students walk away with skills in the kitchen and certifications that will help them land jobs or get a head start in culinary school.
Many are already working in kitchens and restaurants across San Antonio.
Johnathan Alvarez and George Ramos, who won Best Knife Skills and Best Western Omelet, respectively, received $3,000 scholarships to Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
This class is really giving students skills and opportunities to let them rise to the top.
So, what’s the secret ingredient to their success?
“It’s their passion and their love. They all work. They all contribute,” said Jourdan-Davis. “I have awesome kids. It’s their drive that has made what we’ve done possible.”
