Culinary Arts at WLHS As part of its Family and Consumer Education (FACE), WLHS offers Family Living, Child Development, Housing and Interior Design, Fashion Techniques 1-3, and

ProStart 1-2 classes.

For students who are interested in a career in hospitality, ProStart is a premier two-year, culinary arts and restaurant management program. The course blends classroom learning with hands-on skills development and food preparation.

Students who successfully complete ProStart 1 and 2 and work 400 hours in the industry are eligible to earn a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. The certificate is recognized within the industry and counts toward technical college credits for a degree in culinary arts, food service, or hospitality.

Mrs. Angela (Priewe) Livingston (‘05) is the newest member of the FACE department and currently has 43 sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in ProStart.

Throughout the year, students learn and implement the ServSafe curriculum that focuses on personal hygiene, time and temperature control, and preventing cross contamination.

In addition to the regular coursework, Livingston incorporates “outside” experiences.

“Having someone from the industry share their knowledge and expertise brings to life what we’re learning,” says Livingston. "It gets students excited and allows them to envision opportunities beyond high school.”

Japanese Street Food

In January, John Sugimura, a professionally trained sushi chef and graduate of the prestigious Sushi Institute of America, visited ProStart classes to demonstrate two iconic street food recipes.

While preparing Gyoza (Japanese dumplings) and Karaage-Don (fried chicken rice bowls), Chef Sugimara shared his career path and answered students’ questions.

Statewide Competitions

On a monthly basis, WLHS ProStart students compete against other Wisconsin high schoolers in a variety of challenges that focus on different skills and foods.

In December, the class practiced their restaurant management prowess. As part of a marketing throwdown, students created their own restaurant and designed promotions to drive business. Jianna Matthews (’25) took first place for her “Queen’s Feast” coupon.

"My idea started by thinking about themes for restaurants around holidays such as mother's day and father's day. I searched online for design inspiration and used different fonts and elements to create the final. It was very exciting to have the winning design!"

— Jianna Matthews ('25)