Polaris Chefs Win National Championship

BEREA, OH - A student from Berea-Midpark High School is now a national champion chef thanks to Polaris Career Center's Chef Training Program. The student was part of a five-person team that won the National Championship at the 2017 National ProStart Invitational Culinary Team Competition. It is the team's second straight year winning the title.

Ryan Karallus, a junior from Berea-Midpark High School, won his first national championship as part of the squad. Strongsvlle High School senior Chris Hritz added a second title to his trophy case as a part of both last year and this year's championship winning teams.

Brandon Schieferle, a Strongsville High School junior, got his first taste of championship glory in 2017 with the team. The rest of the National Championship winning squad included Therese Napier, a senior from North Olmsted High School, and Cheyenne Yates, a junior from North Olmsted High School.

Held April 28-30 in Charleston, South Carolina, the 2017 National ProStart Invitational Culinary Team Competition saw more than 400 students competing against one another. Polaris' students created a delicious three-course meal to beat out the competition and win their second straight title. The meal consisted of:

• Appetizer: Seared Foie Gras, Parmesan Polenta, Warm Corn Custard, Charred Corn, Kale and Frisee Apple Salad and Blackberry Sauce
• Entree: Ohio Lamb Loin with Harissa and Pistachio Herb Crust, Double Carrot Puree, Savoy Cabbage with Celery Root and Lamb Bacon, Sheep Milk Cheese Croquette with Panko, Almond and Onion Seed
• Dessert: Salted Caramel Gainduja Mousse, Hazelnut Praline, Caramel, Marshmallow Meringue, Raspberry Foam and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

"To compete in this program, the students have to learn how to perform in a pressure environment; under the watch of expert judges, expert chefs, and professionals that have worked in the industry for years. This is proof-positive of the skills these chefs are learning," Doug Miller, Polaris director of community outreach, told Patch.

To win its second straight national title, the Polaris Chefs first had to win their eighth straight Ohio ProStart Invitational Culinary Team Competition. During its state competition, Napier took home the Top Culinary Award.

Polaris' Chef Training Program has been around since Polaris' inception in 1975. Chef training is one half of the academy's culinary academy; the other half being the Baking and Pastries Art Program. Miller said both programs are designed to prepare students for the rigors of a career in food.

Highlights from this year's 2017 National ProStart Invitational are below (clips of Ohio's team begin at about the 7:00 minute mark):

Photo from Polaris

(L to R) Chris Hritz, Strongsville High School; Therese Napier, North Olmsted High School; Cheyenne Yates, North Olmsted High School; Ryan Karallus, Berea-Midpark High School; Brandon Schieferle, Strongsville High Schoo