Riverwood Culinary Students Win Silver in State Competition

From Riverwood Intl: Coming off of a win at the Regional contest, three students from Riverwood International Charter School’s Culinary Arts program competed recently in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Hot Food Culinary Competition. Senior Julia Dias and sophomores Silvia Diaz and Christel Wallace took home silver medals for their outstanding menu and culinary creations. In the state challenge, the students received an 8 oz piece of pork loin and were asked to prepare a salad and entrées that included the pork. Their salad creation was a Wedge Salad with Buttermilk and Blue Cheese Foam, Cherry Tomatoes, and Lardons. For their entrée, they created a Pork Trio that consisted of Pork Sausage wrapped in Prosciutto over Sweet Potato Mash, Sautéed Collard Greens with Fried Black Eyed peas and Bacon Powder, and Smoked BBQ Pork Loin over Cheese Grits. The judges awarded points for flavor, presentation, safety, and sanitation. The competition took place March 9-11 at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown Atlanta.

With 98 members, Riverwood boasts the largest FCCLA chapter in Georgia’s Region 4. There are nine FCCLA regions statewide. Chef Elissa Oliver, head of the Riverwood’s Culinary Arts program, was chosen to represent Region 4 as a lead on the committee to revise the guidelines and rubrics for the Georgia FCCLA Culinary Arts competitions. Under Chef Oliver, the Riverwood Culinary Arts students participate in a wide variety of activities both in-house and in the community. Recently, Oliver's students prepared and served breakfast for 150 Riverwood teachers and also baked desserts for the Fulton County Schools' “Yes I Can” awards on March 27th . Additionally, the Sandy Springs Education Force invited the students to cater their annual breakfast again on May 1st .

Culinary Arts is a Career Pathway at Riverwood and students have the opportunity to advance in their knowledge through four years of classes. 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.

Image Via Riverwood International Charter School