SPOKANE, Wash. — The next generation of Spokane’s top culinary stars are off to a searing start.
Starting Friday, the North Central High School’s ProStart culinary program will compete against fellow high school cooking aficionados in a national competition in Baltimore.
They’re part of a growing number of culinary arts programs in Spokane, and the significance of the opportunity to represent the Lilac City isn’t lost on the students.
“We’re the first school in Spokane to go to nationals,” Arlen Everman-Jones said at a team practice earlier in April. “It’s just really exciting to showcase local cuisine, and local culture.”
The berth in the nationwide competition was earned after the team’s first-place finish in a statewide contest.
Also traveling with the students are their mentors, professionals from local restaurants including Wild Sage Bistro.
“This business gives back in so many ways, but it’s hard,” Wild Sage Bistro managing partner and team mentor Garth Hicks said. “The earlier these kids can learn that the better. If they can get those passions that’ll drive them through to be a part of our community, then let’s do it.”
That’s a lesson these kids will need if they continue on in the culinary world, and it’s a lesson they’ve already demonstrated they’ve learned ahead of the national competition.
“They’re ready to just challenge themselves with just the new things that we bring to them,” Culinary teacher Kim Stewart said. “They’ve never been ones to complain or whine or like, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ And I think that’s why this team is going to nationals.”
The more than 400 students competing in Baltimore will put their food to the test in front of industry leaders with a chance to earn scholarships from top culinary and restaurant management programs.
While food is the name of the game, the experience is preparing these North Central students for life outside the kitchen as well.
“Yeah, it’s a team competition, but so much a part of it is managing time,” Everman-Jones said. “We have to split it up, split up the work, split up the labor so it all finishes on time. It’s pretty stressful once you’re in it, but at the same time it’s so exhilarating.”
Above all, the trial by cooking fire has given these students an unbreakable bond.
“Because we have had to spend so much time together,” Elisa Wilbur said. “And I’m surprised that we’re not all dead by the end of this.”
“Honestly,” Elina Khadka agreed. “I mean at this point, we’re family.”
And for Stewart, this team is one to remember.
“I just am so honored to have this team, being as mature as they were, throughout the whole thing, they were a joy to work with all year long,” Stewart said. “It’s really a nice feeling I’m going to have for a long time, and the memory, because of this team.”
North Central High School is one of four culinary programs in Spokane Public Schools. Rogers, Ferris and Lewis and Clark high schools also have culinary programs. You can learn more about Career and Technical Education at SPS here.
