18th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition Results!
$1 Million in Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in ProStart Culinary Team Competition
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 5, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation 
(FRLAEF) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 18th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition which was held Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
A total of 50 schools participated in the competition with 15 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $1 million in scholarships was distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program, a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills. More than 20,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The four main event competitions included: the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, The Art Institutes Management Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Waiters Relay Competition.
East Ridge High School in Clermont won first place in the overall competition. Tarpon Springs High School in Tarpon Springs took home second place in the overall competition, with John A Ferguson Senior High in Miami placing third.
“These talented students represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are extremely proud to help 
support their education by awarding more than $1 million in scholarships. We are passionate about investing in these inspiring, young leaders of the trade and are thrilled to celebrate their incredible talents and pursuit of successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the FRLA.
Overall Competition Winners
1st Place: East Ridge High School Instructors: Ken Pitts, Chris Dwyer
2nd Place: Tarpon Springs High School Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo, Vincent Pesce
3rd Place: John A Ferguson Senior High Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia, Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Northeast High School Instructors: Curtis Serata, John Beck
5th Place: Leto High School Instructor: Debra Hladky
Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative abilities during the competition through the preparation of a meal consisting of: starter (such as soup, salad or appetizer), protein (such as meat, fish or fowl), starch, vegetable, and dessert.
1st Place: Leto High School Instructor: Debra Hladky
2nd Place: Eastside High School Instructors: Pam Bedford, Sarah Waters
3rd Place: East Ridge High School Instructors: Ken Pitts, Chris Dwyer
4th Place: Tarpon Springs High Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo, Vince Pesce
5th Place: John A Ferguson Senior Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia, Jebel Cordoba
The Art Institutes Management Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept. The business proposal consisted of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan. Teams prepared a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.
1st Place: East Ridge High School Instructors: Ken Pitts, Chris Dwyer
2nd Place: Northeast High School Instructors: Curtis Serata, John Beck
3rd Place: John A Ferguson Senior Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia, Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Holmes County High Instructor: April Coe
5th Place: Tarpon Springs High Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo, Vince Pesce
Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their creative ability during the competition through the preparation of an edible centerpiece consisting of fruits and vegetables. Contestants explained nutritional information, product availability, and preparation techniques.
1st Place: Tarpon Springs High Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo, Vince Pesce
2nd Place: Estero High School Instructor: Jeremy Jasper
3rd Place: Eustis High School Instructor: Nicole Austin
4th Place: Northeast High School Instructors: Curtis Serata, John Beck
5th Place: Mainland High School Instructors: Jason Kester, Michael Gillespie
Waiters Relay Competition Winners
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.
1st Place: South Lake High School Instructors: Candace Huxhold, John Thunberg
2nd Place: Leon High School Instructors: Christine Beam, Karen Stribling
3rd Place: John A Ferguson Senior Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia, Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: St Lucie West Centennial Instructors: Calvin Lewis, Christine Gedke-Balaschak
5th Place: Lake Minneola High Instructors: Nick Sandora, Lance Bowles
First-place teams from the management and culinary competitions will advance to the prestigious National ProStart Invitational, April 27-29, 2018, in Providence, Rhode Island.