$1 Million in Scholarships Awarded to High School Students Participating in Florida ProStart Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 6, 2018) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to congratulate the winners of the 18th Annual Florida ProStart 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 students. 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 Institute 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 High School 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 & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
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
Instructor: Ken Pitts
4th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructors: Cathleen Ryan, Tony DeVincenzo & Vincent Pesce
5th Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba

The Art Institute 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 & Christopher Dwyer
2nd Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructor: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: Holmes County High School
Instructor: April Coe
5th Place: Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

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 School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan
2nd Place: Estero High School
Instructor: Jeremy Jasper
3rd Place: Eustis High School
Instructor: Nicole Austin
4th Place: Northeast High School
Instructors: John Beck & Curtis Serata
5th Place:  Mainland High School
Instructors: Jason Kester & Troy Logan

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: Candy Huxhold & John Thunberg
2nd Place: Leon High School
Instructors: Christine Beam & Karen Stribling
3rd Place: John A. Ferguson High School
Instructors: Janett Toledo, Jorge Garcia & Jebel Cordoba
4th Place: St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Calvin Lewis & Christina Gedke-Balaschak
5th Place: Lake Minneola High School
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.