Bend High School Wins First Place at National ProStart Invitational

[Wilsonville, OR] - Bend High School took first place in the management competition at the National ProStart Invitational held April 24-26, 2008 in San Diego, CA. High school students Katelynn Cockrum, Jackie Baird, Jordan Good, and Casey Anderson made up the winning team lead by ProStart teacher Louise Markland. In the culinary competition, South Salem High School’s team took 12th place.

“Coming to Nationals as returning champions, there was a lot of added pressure and everyone was watching our every move,” said Misty Arrambide, ProStart and events manager for the Oregon Restaurant Association. “However, the amount of professionalism and poise from both Bend and South Salem was unparalleled.”

The Invitational, much like the state championships, is composed of two competitions, culinary and management. Students competing in the culinary challenge have one hour to prepare a three-course meal while being observed by industry judges. For the management challenge, each team is given a case study. The teams with the highest scores secure a seat in the quiz bowl, a question and answer session where competitors dazzle judges with their knowledge of food preparation and the hospitality industry. Winners of each competition receive prizes, thousands of dollars in scholarships, and gold, silver and bronze medals.

“ORA is proud to offer this program to students wanting to enter the hospitality industry, and we’re thrilled with the success Oregon teams have had for the past several years,” said Steve McCoid, president and CEO of ORA. “As long as students are dedicated to entering the industry, we’ll help them do so.”

The ProStart Program is a two-year curriculum designed to teach students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Students interested in entering the hospitality industry are able to gain critical knowledge by participating in internships mentored by experienced industry members. To learn more about the ProStart Hospitality School-to-Career program, please visit www.ora.org/education/ProStart or contact Misty Arrambide, Oregon Restaurant Association ProStart Manager at 503-682-4422 or misty@ora.org.