Culinary strand students from MLEC recently participated in the ProStart Culinary Competition in Orlando, Florida. This annual event brings schools across the region together to compete in various categories.
ProStart is sponsored by UCF Rosen College, the top-ranked hospitality management school in Florida, Keiser University, and Universal Orlando Culinary. The competition serves as a platform for aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals to hone their skills and gain recognition from industry leaders.
The categories for the competition include management, culinary arts, a relay race, and an edible centerpiece challenge. Under the guidance of Chef Nuñez, the strand leader for Culinary, MLEC competed in the management and culinary sections, showcasing their skills and dedication to the culinary arts.
The participating team in the management section was composed of juniors Kyle Perez, Wester Mordan, Paula Muniz, and Ryan Anderson. These students deeply appreciate the mentorship and support they have received from Chef Nuñez.
“Chef Nuñez prepares us not just for high school success, but for our future. He gives us the tools and knowledge to succeed at a level I didn’t even start thinking of yet. Introducing us into life and experiences beyond simple high school classes gives me confidence and makes me enjoy what I do to a level I never have,” said Kyle.
The four of them competed against 26 other schools. Their challenge was to develop a restaurant concept, including marketing strategies, business operations, and overall feasibility. After extensive preparation, the team presented their ideas to a panel of judges, who scored them on various criteria.
Ultimately, they secured an impressive fourth place. Their strong performance earned each team member a $2,000 scholarship recognizing their hard work and innovation.
In the culinary section, MLEC was represented by seniors Zya Barry, Myron Pollard, and Princess Alexandre. This part of the competition required them to prepare a three-course meal, consisting of an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. All this was done within a strict time limit and under the scrutiny of expert judges. This team placed 14th out of 31 schools.
“We were the only team of three in the entire competition, so it was beyond stressful, but we did it, and I am so proud of us. We definitely aren’t happy about the place we landed, but that’s okay; we did our best, and we know that we could’ve done so many things differently.
“All of our months of preparation and hard work paid off because we got to even be in the competition, and many would do anything to just be a part of our team. So I am proud of us and all that we did. I am so proud of them despite our score, and we have to remember that it is just a number, nothing more. Our teamwork is everything that counts and the bond we created,” said Zya.
The success of our students at the ProStart Culinary Competition highlights the talent and dedication of the students, as well as the invaluable guidance provided by Chef Nuñez. Their achievements not only bring pride to the school but also open doors for future opportunities in the culinary and hospitality industries.
