Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to celebrate LeSha'ya Westbrook, a senior at the Fine Arts and Communications (FAC) Campus, for her outstanding achievements in the culinary arts. As a dedicated Culinary ProStart student, LeSha'ya's hard work and passion for the industry have earned her a $10,000 Culinary Futures scholarship, which will support her education at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. LeSha'ya's journey to this remarkable accomplishment began last summer when she participated in "Millies Camp," a free culinary program hosted by the "No Matter What" organization, founded by Chef and Chicago Police Officer Kenneth Griffin. The camp, which introduces youth to the world of professional cooking, is made possible through the support of sponsors and organizations such as Culinary Futures, which has been “Funding Underserved Youth” since 2018. Impressing chefs and fellow campers with her dedication and skill, LeSha'ya was encouraged to apply for the Culinary Futures scholarship, which required an essay outlining her aspirations and future plans. Her story resonated with the selection committee, leading to her selection as a scholarship recipient. In a momentous occasion, LeSha'ya was presented with her award by none other than Chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Cora was so impressed by LeSha'ya that she personally handed her a business card, offering to put in a good word for her at CIA. As LeSha'ya continues to pursue her dreams, she is also preparing for her next challenge—competing in the ProStart Invitational Competition hosted by the National Restaurant Association on Saturday, March 8th. This prestigious event will give her and her teammates the opportunity to showcase their skills against top high school culinary programs from across the country. Rich Township High School congratulates LeSha'ya Westbrook on this incredible achievement and wishes her continued success in her culinary journey!

Rich Township Senior LeSha'ya Westbrook Earns $10,000 Culinary Scholarship and Recognition from Iron Chef Cat Cora

Rich Township High School District 227

March 4, 2025

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to celebrate LeSha'ya Westbrook, a senior at the Fine Arts and Communications (FAC) Campus, for her outstanding achievements in the culinary arts. As a dedicated Culinary ProStart student, LeSha'ya's hard work and passion for the industry have earned her a $10,000 Culinary Futures scholarship, which will support her education at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world.

 

LeSha'ya's journey to this remarkable accomplishment began last summer when she participated in "Millies Camp," a free culinary program hosted by the "No Matter What" organization, founded by Chef and Chicago Police Officer Kenneth Griffin. The camp, which introduces youth to the world of professional cooking, is made possible through the support of sponsors and organizations such as Culinary Futures, which has been “Funding Underserved Youth” since 2018.

 

Impressing chefs and fellow campers with her dedication and skill, LeSha'ya was encouraged to apply for the Culinary Futures scholarship, which required an essay outlining her aspirations and future plans. Her story resonated with the selection committee, leading to her selection as a scholarship recipient. In a momentous occasion, LeSha'ya was presented with her award by none other than Chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Cora was so impressed by LeSha'ya that she personally handed her a business card, offering to put in a good word for her at CIA.

 

As LeSha'ya continues to pursue her dreams, she is also preparing for her next challenge—competing in the ProStart Invitational Competition hosted by the National Restaurant Association on Saturday, March 8th. This prestigious event will give her and her teammates the opportunity to showcase their skills against top high school culinary programs from across the country.

 

Rich Township High School congratulates LeSha'ya Westbrook on this incredible achievement and wishes her continued success in her culinary journey!