Piece of cake

Moses Lake culinary arts students score well at regional competition

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake High School students took home scholarships and medals after proving their skills at a regional culinary arts competition.

The students participated in the 2008 Boyd Coffee ProStart Invitational March 7 and March 8 in Spokane.

They won first place in the case study portion of the competition, fourth place in knowledge bowl and second place overall in restaurant management. Students received scholarships of $1,500 from the Culinary Institute of America, $750 from Johnson & Whales University and $500 from The Art Institute of Seattle.

Students practiced for the competition under the guidance of restaurant operations coach Catherine McPherson and culinary arts teacher Susan Moberg.

"I'm so proud of them," Moberg said. "Every year they just amaze me more and more."

According to ProStart spokesperson Camille St. Onge, the competition gives up-and-coming chefs the chance to show their skills to judges, who are well known in the culinary arts world.

"These kids get the chance to network and learn from culinary professionals who are at the top of their game," stated Lyle Hildahl, director of the Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation. "They were encouraged, motivated and challenged."

Moses Lake students scored 814 out of a possible 840 points in the case study portion of the competition, Moberg noted.

In their overall score, Moses Lake students received 1,104 points. Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane won first place with 1,136 points.

"I'm impressed with how well they deal with pressure," McPherson said. "They think well under pressure, and they amaze the judges every year with how well they problem solve as a team."

Moberg also mentioned she loves the sense of teamwork among students. The students get along with one another, which showed in their scores, she said.

After the knowledge bowl competition, the students shook hands with the opposing team. A judge from the state Superintendent's Office commented the team was the only one which shook hands with an opposing team so far in the competition.

"To me, that's more important than any trophy or any medal they could win," she said.

Student Kayla Scott, 17, said she felt it was a privilege to work with Team Captain KayCee Coker, 18, and Stephanie Jacobs, 17. The group is graduating this year, but promised to return next year to help other students prepare for the competition.

Scott thanked Moberg and McPherson as well.

"Without their dedication, we wouldn't have been able to compete," Scott said.

Sophomore Alycia Ramirez said she learned a lot from her first competition and thought it was fun.

"I'm so excited for next year," she said.

Jacobs said she was unaware of the opportunity to compete in culinary arts until this year. She noted she loves the hospitality industry.

"This year, I jumped on the opportunity to be on the team," she said.

When Moses Lake attends the culinary arts competition, people expect the team to do well, Jacobs said. She said it felt great to live up to the school's reputation.

Students thanked their families and school staff who attended the competition.