Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to highlight two recent opportunities that showcased the talents and dedication of our students in the culinary arts. Through partnerships with the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (ProStart) and Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C*CAP), students gained hands-on experience working alongside some of the best in the industry.
On September 27, 2024, ten ProStart students participated in Chicago Gourmet’s annual "Hamburger Hop" event at the Harris Theater Rooftop. Under the guidance of local top chefs from renowned restaurants like Gemini, Demera Ethiopian Cuisine, Eden, Chef Art Smith's Reunion, and TriBeca's Sandwich Shop, students helped grill, prepare, and serve innovative takes on the classic hamburger. This dynamic event not only allowed students to refine their culinary skills but also gave them a taste of the fast-paced restaurant world.
One month later, on October 27, 2024, five students with a passion for baking and pastry joined forces with C*CAP at the prestigious Drake Hotel. Led by acclaimed pastry Chef Robin Johnson, they helped create a life-sized gingerbread castle, learning advanced techniques such as dough rolling, shape cutting, and butter rose piping. The students, under the expert instruction of District 227’s very own Chef Darius Bright and Chef Keith Morris, gained invaluable experience in both the preparation and execution of high-profile pastry projects.
“These experiences are transformative for our students,” said Chef Keith, Culinary Arts instructor at Rich Township High School District 227. “Thanks to our partnerships with ProStart and C*CAP, our students are not only developing their technical skills but also building the confidence to pursue successful careers in the culinary arts.”
The District is committed to providing students with real-world learning opportunities through collaborations with industry leaders. We thank the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and C*CAP for their continued support in preparing our students for bright futures in the culinary world.