To start off the new 2015 school year, the LHS Culinary program will have a brand new kitchen to use.  This kitchen will be an up-to-date commercial facility designed to take the culinary arts program to the next level.

“With the new facility I will be able to train and prepare my students for a real world environment,” culinary teacher Summer French said.

With the new kitchen the culinary students will be able to offer catering services and also serve the community.  The plan was presented to the school board and approved.  They will be pitching in with the funding of reconstruction.

“I feel that the remodel will give my students more of a sense of pride and professionalism in the program which will, hopefully, spill over into their personal lives also,” French said.

New additions to the kitchen include stainless steel tables that are easy to clean and easy to store for more space.  The kitchen will also get industry standard gas cooktops.  Previously, before remodeling started, the kitchen only had one cooktop.  With the new improvements, the kitchen will now have four.  New appliances include commercial dishwashers, refrigeration, and a washing station.

“I’m very excited to start the new school year in a brand new kitchen,”  culinary student Kelsey Crews said.  “It will be a really fun experience.”

Additionally, working in the new kitchen, students will have the opportunity to obtain a food handler’s card (which is mandatory to have while working in a restaurant environment).  Upper level students will have the opportunity to test for their ServSafe Manager Certification.  Having the certification gives them the advantage when they enter the job force.  This gives them the potential to earn up to $10 more per hour than others in their age group.

“I’m very excited for this new improvement,” French said.  “I really hope they are able to gain something from this and be able to continue their education by attending a culinary academy.  This new kitchen would definitely prepare them.”