ProStart Competition Results!
ORLANDO – From March 1 – March 2 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 400 Florida high school students from more than 50 schools competed in the statewide annual Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) ProStart Culinary Team Competitions. This year marked the 23rd year for the ProStart competition. Executive and Board Leadership from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) attended the competition.
Throughout the weekend, ProStart students competed in categories including Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiters Relay. At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, students were awarded for their respective competition categories. Students received scholarships from the FRLAEF, as well as Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Johnson & Wales University, Keiser University, Nichollas State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. Winners will advance to the national ProStart Invitational which is hosted by the National Restaurant Association. HTM students competed in categories including Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project, and the Knowledge Bowl and were also awarded scholarships from the FRLA Educational Foundation.
These events would not be possible without the support of our Global Sponsors which are Keiser University, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality and Universal Orlando. Event sponsors include Disney Culinary, Ecolab, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida International University.
“This year’s ProStart competitions showcased the dedication and skill of our exceptional hospitality students,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “It was inspiring to witness the spirited competition, collaborative teamwork, and enthusiastic school pride demonstrated by these students and their instructors. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved from across the hospitality industry, including our esteemed judges and devoted volunteers. We are excited for the promising futures of these outstanding students and look forward to our winners representing Florida at the national competition this spring in Washington, D.C.”
“As the top state for tourism and hospitality, Florida proudly maintains its forefront position in high school hospitality education,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “With the largest ProStart program nationwide, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. These competitions serve as vital investments in our students, who embody the future of this dynamic field. Witnessing their dedication and talent in action is truly exhilarating. Congratulations to these exceptional young individuals and to their devoted instructors, whose unwavering dedication shapes the path to success.”
23RD ANNUAL PROSTART CULINARY TEAM COMPETITION WINNERS
OVERALL
1st Place – Strawberry Crest High School
Instructors: Paul Bonanno, Jeremy Walburn, Joshua Bauer
2nd Place – Martin County High School
Instructors: Shaun Southwick, Ashley Sesta
3rd Place – TIE – St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Christina Gedke-Balaschak, Evan Fraum
3rd Place – TIE – Wekiva High School
Instructor: Christopher Bates
4th Place – TIE – Lyman High School
Instructors: Dane Brevoort, Susan Lacer
4th Place – TIE – Steinbrenner High School
Instructor: Cheryl White
5th Place – South Lake High School
Instructors: John Thunberg, Alex Meneses
KEISER UNIVERSITY CULINARY COMPETITION
1st Place – Strawberry Crest High School
Instructors: Paul Bonanno, Jeremy Walburn, Joshua Bauer
Students: Andrew Raab, Raegan Monroe, Rubicel Lopez, Jadira Ipanaque, Taylor Carlisle
2nd Place – St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Christina Gedke-Balaschak, Evan Fraum
Students: Isaac Vasconcelos, Nathan Korb, Kaitlyn Owens
3rd Place – Martin County High School
Instructors: Shaun Southwick, Ashley Sesta
Students: Michael De Cesare, Kalla Caves, Zachary Walker, Sarah Duda, Belle Quevedo
4th Place – JP Taravella High School
Instructor: Scott Goodman
Students: K’xada Herbert, Lauren Sandell, Yojeved Navarro, Savanna Hurlbert, Austin Thompson
5th Place – Olympia High School
Instructor: Michael Lit
Students: Luke Digiammarino, Sofia Galbis, Emma Pohlhammer, Katherine Garcia
UCF’S ROSEN COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT COMPETITION
1st Place – Strawberry Crest High School
Instructors: Paul Bonanno, Jeremy Walburn, Joshua Bauer
Students: Katya King, Caleigh Ross, Sienna Smith, Faye Lee, Juliana Kelly
2nd Place – Wekiva High School
Instructor: Christopher Bates
Students: America Castillo, Mia Del Valle, Isaac Aristrud, Emma Gonzelez-Miguel, Ema Thomas
3rd Place – Martin County High School
Instructors: Shaun Southwick, Ashley Sesta
Students: Victoria Garcia, Rosemary Hernandez, Guadalupe Torres-Escobar, Sienna Hartley, Jennifer Lopez
4th Place – Coral Springs High School
Instructors: Aruna Lien, Tylor Cole
Students: Kayla Connell, Brady Porter, Cole Clapp, David Puello, Eric Wilson
5th Place – Osceola Fundamental High School
Instructors: Chris Long, Tim Fitzpatrick
Students: Mackenzie Dunn, Kayla Dudinsky, Jessica Jamieson, Lily Schneidewind
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO EDIBLE CENTERPIECE
1st Place – Lyman High School
Instructors: Dane Brevoort, Susan Lacer
Student: Ava Caldwell
2nd – Martin County High School
Instructors: Shaun Southwick, Ashley Sesta
Student: Bryar Stoney
3rd Place – Fort Pierce Central High School
Instructors: Jesse Strell, Cindy Swertfager
Student: Nicholas Leonardi
4th Place – Strawberry Crest High School
Instructors: Paul Bonanno, Jeremy Walburn, Joshua Bauer
Student: Daisy Silva-Bautista
5th Place – St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Instructors: Christina Gedke-Balaschak, Evan Fraum
Student: Abigail Roth
WAITER’S RELAY
1st Place – Steinbrenner High School
Instructor: Cheryl White
Students: Evan Cannon, Cameron DeLeon, Fiona Wang
2nd Place – South Lake High School
Instructors: John Thunberg, Alex Meneses
Students: Ryder Eckert, Isabel Acensio, Evan Greblick
3rd Place – Strawberry Crest High School
Instructors: Paul Bonanno, Jeremy Walburn, Joshua Bauer
Students: Marie Townsel, Katie Lynn Ben Said, Lizbeth Lopez-Bautista
4th Place – Winter Springs High School
Instructor: Adam Efland
Students: Davon Jacobsen, Xionel Bembry, Sydney Hanson
5th Place – Wekiva High School
Instructor: Christopher Bates
Students: Bertuni Cleonard, Armaan Welch, Jubal Castillo
CLICK HERE FOR COMPETITION PICTURES
CLICK HERE FOR COMPETITION VIDEO
CLICK HERE FOR OPEN AIR PHOTO BOOTH PICS
CLICK HERE FOR CLOSED PHOTO BOOTH PICS
The FRLAEF will conduct two ProStart Teacher Training events this summer. Trainings will be held at the Keiser University Sarasota campus and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality in 
Orlando. Teachers may choose one training to attend which will be on a first-come, first-served basis through the registration process below.
TRAINING DATES (Please note this year, the events are not back to back weeks.)
June 11-14, 2024 UCF Rosen College of Hospitality, Orlando
June 25-28, 2024 Keiser University, Sarasota Campus
PROGRAM COST
The FRLAEF will cover the cost of all Florida ProStart instructors who will be teaching the ProStart curriculum during the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The FRLAEF, along with its sponsors, will cover the cost for all attendees. This includes instruction, lodging, chef coat and take-home educational materials. Most meals will be provided. Accommodations for both events will be in a local hotel and each participant will have their own room. FRLAEF will cover the cost of the room nights.
UCF ROSEN
Teachers will stay at Universal Orlando’s Dockside Inn & Suites. All of our rooms are two-bedroom suites.
KEISER UNIVERSITY
Teachers will stay at Homewood Suites Lakewood Ranch.
REGISTRATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration Deadline: May 3, 2024
ProStart Teacher of the Year
The ProStart Teacher of the Year is Paul Bonanno from Strawberry Crest High School in Tampa.
Chef Bonanno worked in the foodservice industry for 17 years before becoming a high school culinary instructor, which he has done for 12 years now. As a ProStart instructor, his students have a 98% pass rate on the ServSafe and National Registry of Food Service Professionals exam with about 150 certifications earned each year. 90% of his Culinary 4 graduates either go straight into the industry or attend a post-secondary culinary program.
One of Chef Bonanno’s nominators said that in addition to teaching the students all the culinary knowledge needed for success he also finds time to teach them the skills they need to succeed in life as well.
2024 FRLAEF Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the following ProStart students who were awarded a 2024 FRLAEF Scholarship. These students will all receive a one-time, non-renewable $2,000 scholarship from the FRLAEF upon enrolling in a foodservice or hospitality post-secondary program.
Paci Stafford, Bethlehem High School
Kali Taylor, Bethlehem High School
Sabrina Martinez, Coral Shores High School
Danielle Brake, Deltona High School
Lexie Brito, Deltona High School
Ella Smith, Durant High School
Jacob Hollifield, Durant High School
Jeremiah Telusma, Fort Pierce Central High School
Aristhene Thelisnort Jr., Fort Pierce Central High School
Garrett Willadsen, George Jenkins High School
Fabian Molina, Hardee Senior High
Jordan Cutchen, Holmes County High School
Melody Nieves, Lake Minneola High School
Jackson Sears, Leon High School
Emma Lambert, Leon High School
Tishaly Acosta Ramos, Martin County High School
Michael DeCesare, Martin County High School
Jennifer Lopez, Martin County High School
Donovan Laing, Jr, Miami Central Senior High School
Matthew Perez, Miami Lakes Educational Center
Kayla Dudinsky, Osceola Fundamental High School
Lily Schneidewind, Osceola Fundamental High School
Isabel Cook-Rodriguez, Paul J Hagerty High School
Jeremy Barber, South Lake High School
Marc Duran, South Lake High School
Elena Fernandez, South Lake High School
Raymond Ramos Marrero, South Lake High School
Lilly Sweet, South Lake High School
Nathan Korb, St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Isaac Vasconcelos, St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Alannah Gomez, St. Lucie West Centennial High School
Evangelo Vlahos, Tarpon Springs High School
Kryssia Galante, Tarpon Springs High School
Shane Conway, Tarpon Springs High School
Andy Garcia, Wiregrass Ranch High School
NRAEF Scholarship–Application Closes Soon!
Each year, the NRAEF awards more than $1.2 million in scholarships to individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.
The Foundation also provides grants for educators and for individuals seeking industry certifications to advance their careers.
Since the program’s inception in 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $26 million in scholarships to support the next generation of industry leaders.
Scholarship Timeline
- January 15: Scholarship Application Opens
- March 11: Application Closes
- April – May: Scholarship Application Review
- June: Scholarship Award Notifications
- July – August: Scholarship Claiming and Payments
- August 15: Deadline to Claim Scholarship
Apply Now!
AHLA Scholarships Available–Application Closes Soon!
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) offers scholarships for hospitality students. The application is now open. There are two types of scholarship available: self-nominated and school nominated. AHLA offers $1 million in scholarships annually.
For more information, CLICK HERE for the brochure.
APPLY NOW!
Scholarship deadline is March 15, 2024
Floor Plan Needed
A Florida teacher is attempting to start a ProStart program. The facility is approximately 16′ by 10′. She would love to hear from ProStart instructors on what they like/do not like about their facility. If you have a facility approximately the same size and would like to share your floor plan, please do so.
With the 2023-2024 school year underway, FRLA would love to highlight our participating ProStart programs and your creative side. We know how much fun your learning experience is and want to show that off, encouraging others to join in and eventually, hopefully, join Florida’s hospitality industry! Here are a few tips and suggestions for you, and don’t forget, whenever you post, tag @frlanews and we can share your post as well. Keep an eye out for future updates on ProStart social media competitions too!📱
TIPS/IDEAS
Be creative with your content. Here are a few fun possible content ideas:
- Come with us to class! (a video montage of a fun activity during class)
- POV: You’re in high school and want to be a culinary student! (or You’re in high school and want to go into hospitality!) over a video collage of footage from the class
- Challenge others to join ProStart …The top 3 reasons you should join ProStart…with fun footage or text/caption over photo/video from students.
- Hashtag challenge – create a fun hashtag
- Take someone through a full recipe, or other task
Most importantly, have fun and tag @FRLAnews!
Hospitality Industry Internships
The Hospitality Industry Internship (HII) provides the opportunity for Florida ProStart & HTM instructors to work in a 
foodservice/lodging establishment for at least 40 hours. Once the required paperwork has been processed, the participant will receive a personal check for $600.
To qualify for an HII, the instructor must teach the ProStart, HTM, or HTMP curriculum during the 2023-2024 school year. If you are already employed at a restaurant or hotel, you MAY NOT use that site for your internship. The restaurant/hotel must be a new work experience for you, not somewhere you have worked before or used as an HII internship location.
The applicant must secure a position at a foodservice or lodging facility where a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on experience is guaranteed. The host location may pay the recipient but is not required to do so.
The FRLAEF will award 11 HII’s this school year on a first-come, first-served basis. So apply NOW! Work experience may begin once the applicant receives an award notification from the FRLAEF.
APPLY NOW!
Complimentary Foodsafety Materials (ServSafe and/or SafeStaff)
Each Premier and Full ProStart program is eligible for free ServSafe or SafeStaff materials. Once we receive your ProStart Classification paperwork (i.e.. Premier or Full), you can order up to $350 of complimentary ServSafe/SafeStaff materials through a link we will send you.
Complimentary ServSuccess Materials
ServSuccess is a stackable foodservice industry credential. The entry level certification is Certified Restaurant Professional (CRP). Individuals must have 400 hours of industry experience along with the ServSafe exam to be eligible to sit for the CRP. No training is required but five modules are offered.
If you would like to take the courses and/or the exam, email Amy Parker to let her know and she will get you signed up for free!
The link below will provide you with additional information on CRP.