Riverwood Culinary Students Qualify For State Competition

SANDY SPRINGS, GA - From Riverwood International Charter School: Three students from Riverwood International Charter School’s Culinary Arts program competed recently in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Regional Hot Food Culinary Competition. Congratulations to Senior Julia Dias and sophomores Silvia Diaz and Christel Wallace for their outstanding performance which qualifies them for the FCCLA 2018 State Culinary competition. The students received a 4 oz piece of pork loin and were asked to prepare a salad and an entrée that included the pork, as well as a vegetable and a starch accompaniment. They created an Asian Crunch Salad, Pork Bulgogi with Jasmine Rice, and a Trio of Pickles for evaluation. The judges awarded points for flavor, presentation, safety, and sanitation. The state competition is March 10 in downtown Atlanta, with the winners proceeding to the national contest, also being held this year in Atlanta.

Culinary Arts is a Career Pathway at Riverwood and students have the opportunity to advance in their
knowledge through four years of classes. Riverwood Culinary instructor, Chef Elissa Oliver, notes that the Culinary Arts career track at Riverwood is preparing students for real life experiences. “We work on time management and skills for becoming professional and employable. Culinary allows students to improve communications skills and to do things they wouldn’t do normally.” Through hands-on skills training, field trips, guest chefs, and unique classroom experiences, Riverwood Culinary students gain real-world experience that prepares them for careers in the hospitality industry. Students who satisfactorily complete the program and associated exams receive ServSafe® certification, the National Restaurant Association’s industry standard certification for responsible food service measures.

Photo courtesy of Riverwood International Charter School