Independence and Asheville High Schools Advance to the 2023 National ProStart Competition

Two North Carolina high schools, Independence High School and Asheville High School, have advanced to the 2023 National ProStart Invitational after winning the culinary and management competitions, respectively, at the 2023 North Carolina ProStart Invitational (NCPI).

ideas and participated in an intense question-and-answer segment. Asheville High School's winning Mediterranean concept, Herbaceous, impressed the judges and earned the team first place.

In addition to student recognition, the NCRLA Foundation also nominated Sara Monson from Asheville High School for ProStart's national Educator of Excellence Award. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and passion, commitment, and creativity in all aspects of the ProStart program to help their students make the most of the opportunities that ProStart offers.

TEAMS OF THE MANAGEMENT AND CULINARY DIVISIONS COMPETITION

2023 NCPI WINNING CULINARY TEAMS

First Place: Independence High School, Charlotte

Second Place: Ashe County High School, West Jefferson

Third Place: South Mecklenburg, Charlotte

OTHER COMPETING CULINARY TEAMS

Asheville High School, Asheville

Cary High School, Cary

East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte

Garinger High School, Charlotte

Organized by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation, the NCPI is a high-stakes culinary arts and restaurant management competition that took place from March 19 to 21 at North Carolina Central University in Durham. This year, 14 teams from nine schools participated in the event, with the hopes of earning more than $560,000 in scholarships.

At the culinary competition, the winning team from Independence High School in Charlotte had to design, prepare, and serve a threecourse meal using only two butane burners in 60 minutes. The team's menu consisted of fried green tomato, pan-seared kanpachi, and steamed chocolate cake, and it was judged by a panel of certified chefs using industry standards.

As for the management competition, the winning team from Asheville High School in Asheville had to prepare and present a restaurant concept, menu, and marketing plan to an exclusive panel of judges. Students presented their

The ProStart program is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's industry leaders. It all happens through a curriculum that teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed, and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

"As North Carolina's hospitality industry continues to struggle with labor shortages, ProStart students are learning transferable skills that they can take anywhere once they complete the program," said Lynn Minges, NCRLA President and CEO. "These students are the best of the best, and I am proud to send them on to compete at the national level."

As the state winners, Independence High School and Asheville High School have set a high bar for North Carolina's ProStart competitors. They will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against the best high school culinary and management teams from across the US at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, DC from May 2 – 4.

West Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte

2023 NCPI WINNING MANAGEMENT TEAMS

First Place: Asheville High School, Asheville

Second Place: South Mecklenburg, Charlotte

Third Place: Cary High School, Cary

OTHER COMPETING MANAGEMENT TEAMS

Ashe County High School, West Jefferson

East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte

Wakefield High School, Raleigh