EASTERN Culinary Grad, Kelly Knorr - Now Teaching at Bucks County Technical High School

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) 2003 Culinary Arts/Upper Moreland High School graduate, Kelly Knorr, is currently the Baking and Pastry Arts Instructor at Bucks County Technical High School. Prior to her teaching position at Bucks County Technical High School, Knorr worked as a pastry chef in Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia.

While in tenth grade, Knorr attended EASTERN’s Open House.  At that time she didn’t know what she wanted to do as a career. She knew that the atmosphere and options at EASTERN were exactly what she was seeking. She also liked the idea of being in a class with students from other high schools and making new friends.  Prior to EASTERN’s Open House, Knorr had started to enjoy cooking at home, so she chose EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program.

After graduation from EASTERN, Knorr attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she obtained her Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry and her Bachelor Degree in Food Service Management.  She entered into this program with scholarships earned through her participation in SkillsUSA, EASTERN’s student leadership organization, and through her role as School-Wide Secretary.  She was also able to gain credit for her ServSafe certification for safety and sanitation since she already obtained it while at EASTERN – which saved her some time and money. 

Since graduating from EASTERN, Knorr has come back every summer to teach the Cooking and Baking class for the Summer Fun program.  She serves on EASTERN’s Occupational Advisory Committee for Culinary Arts – a group from local business and industry that helps EASTERN’s administration and instructors keep all programs up-to-date and cutting-edge.  Knorr also serves on EASTERN’s Foundation – a group whose sole mission is to reward EASTERN students’ success and achievement through scholarships and awards.

“I had great teachers at EASTERN,” said Knorr. “They made me want to go on to teach and share my industry knowledge. There are so many opportunities at EASTERN – opportunities to network with people who own their own businesses in the community, and opportunities to get a head start on college.” 

Knorr is currently at Temple University pursuing her Vocational Certification and her Masters in Career and Technical Education.

EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Those districts include Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career.  The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org.  Like Us?  Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter