The Introduction to Culinary Arts CTE class helps students prepare for their professional and personal lives through skills learned such as teamwork, working under pressure, and basic cooking skills.

All students are required to take a CTE class per graduation requirements; each CTE focuses on a specific field of work. The Intro to Culinary Arts class focuses on basic cooking skills and the art of fine dining.

“I took culinary because I enjoyed cooking at home,” junior Ella Prescott said.”I wanted to just further my skills and see what else I can learn.”

The culinary class is not just focused on cooking; it also works on teamwork and time management, which many students may not have learned before. These skills are crucial for being successful in the kitchen and in life. 

“My main goal is to have them build a little bit of confidence in their own abilities,” Introduction to Culinary instructor Ben Howell said. ”Whether they can cook something or not cook something, I’m not worried about. I just want them to understand that they are going to be better when they leave than when I first get them.”

In culinary, the students learn many new skills such as cooking and mixing methods, measurements, and costing out a menu. After the students learn these skills, Howell gives them a final project at the end of the semester.

“I do the final project because it’s hands-on,” Howell said. “I was not a good test taker when I was in school, my level of knowledge was always higher than what my tests reflected. It’s just an

opportunity for me to throw them in together, and you have to work as a team to be successful.”

The skills students learn in culinary arts are very important to their futures not only as professionals but also in their everyday life.

“Culinary skills are beneficial for everyone,” junior Nathan Green said. “It can help with cooking meals, food for your family,  your future family,  or even just by yourself.”