| (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Broward Chapter is proud to support an opportunity for J.P. Taravella High School students to participate in an international culinary exchange program. This week, the chapter presented a check for $2,500 to help support the students’ trip to study at one of France’s top hospitality schools, Lycée hotelier Georges Frêche. These students were selected after winning first place at Florida’s statewide ProStart competition in 2014, which allowed them to compete nationally in Minnesota. The trip is scheduled for December 29, 2015 through January 9, 2016.
“As we grow the tourism industry in South Florida, it is critical that we develop a strong ‘bench’ to ensure the ongoing success of our destination as a world-class venue. Our participation and support of educational programs such as Florida ProStart and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, shows our commitment in developing our leaders of tomorrow in an industry that is so critical to the success of our state, county, city and overall destination. The students traveling to France on this exchange program represent some of our best and brightest. We are honored to be able to help them experience the culinary arts at this level,” said FRLA Broward Chapter President and Sonesta Ft. Lauderdale General Manager, Eduardo Fernandez. “We are truly grateful for the FRLA’s commitment to our students, who are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills abroad during this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Broward Chapter recognizes how incredibly talented our students are, as the high schoolers work the entire year to build their culinary skills through educational and career opportunities. Through support of community organizations like FRLA, these aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals are already on the road toward success right here in the Sunshine State,” said J.P. Taravella High School Culinary Arts and Hospitality Instructor, Scott Goodman. Participating students are part of the Florida ProStart program, run by FRLA’s Educational Foundation. It is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality. To learn more about the FRLAEF please click here. Students are still working to raise $25,000 in order to financially support their trip to France. To donate additional funds to the high schoolers, please click here. Next week, the Chapter is also pleased to present an additional opportunity for some of Broward County’s youngest chefs. On Monday, November 16, 2015, students from 12 area high schools will compete at BB&T Center to have their dishes presented in Club Lexus and the ADT Club. The competition will take place at the Tampa Bay Lighting v. Florida Panthers game scheduled from 7:30-10:00 PM. For more information about this event, please click here. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
