JCHS Culinary take the classroom on the road

The Johnson County High School Culinary team had a lot of excitement last week. The team took the culinary classroom on the road and traveled to Knoxville for the ProStart Regional Culinary Competition."I am so proud of them," said Chef Travis Heath, Culinary Instructor, adding, "The experience was the trophy."As one of over a dozen schools competing in the regional competition, each JCHS culinary team member put a lot of effort into preparing for the event.The preparation for such a big competition included menu planning, cost analysis, and preparing the individual plates to maximize visual appeal.All of that required each student to pour their heart and soul into the dishes, and their instructor explained how much time was dedicated to the process.The recent barrage of snow days gave students time off from studies, but the JCHS Culinary students did not use the time off from school to relax.While describing the extra effort the students put in on snow days, Chef Heath explained, "the students were in contact with each other every day, they used the snow days to work."Some of the many platforms the students utilized to continue learning when schools were closed included virtual classrooms, live videos, and tutorials.The culinary profession requires an integrated set of specific skills and included is so much more than just the finished product. The Johnson County High School culinary program aims to allow students the total experience, from preparation to management."I want them to enjoy their time in the classroom and kitchen. I feel really blessed every day I go to class and see how they interact and what they take away from the class,' said Chef Heath.To acquire the skills needed not only to compete at a regional level but to be successful in the kitchen at home, requires a conducive learning environment and a whole team of dedicated staff.As he explained the intricacies of teaching the managerial aspect of the culinary world, Chef Heath explained one person has been instrumental."My assistant Teresa Shadoins is instrumental in helping me and the students," said Chef Heath.While some amazing creations were on display at the competition, residents of Johnson County don't have to travel far to enjoy the team's cooking.The JCHS Culinary Team has been highly visible around the community, showing off their skills.Whether serving up lunches from their mobile kitchen, making cookies for community events, or even catering for groups as large as two hundred people, the team has plenty of opportunity to practice what they are learning."They love to take what they are learning out into the community," said Chef Heath.Chef Heath expressed appreciation for Johnson County's continual support of the program, helping make it a success that will benefit the students far into the future.After describing each student as "a winner," he added, "Whether they go to Culinary School or not, I just want them to succeed."The dedication and commitment shown by each student on the JCHS Culinary team proves they are already on the road to future success.For more information www.jocoed.net