The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) has announced the winners of its statewide high school hospitality competitions, including the ProStart Culinary Team Competition and the Hospitality & Tourism Management Competition. Held last weekend, over 400 students from more than 40 Florida high schools participated in events such as Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiter’s Relay at the 24th annual ProStart event.
Scholarships were awarded to winners by institutions including the Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida International University, Keiser University, Nicholls State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. Additionally, culinary competition victors earned full scholarships to Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College. First place teams will represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington D.C., scheduled for May.
Laura Rumer, Director of FRLA Educational Foundation said: “We are incredibly proud of the talent and dedication shown by these students during the 24th annual ProStart and HTM events. These competitions highlight their skills and passion for the industry.”
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA remarked: “As the state’s top industry, hospitality is at the heart of Florida’s economy… We are thrilled to support their growth through programs like ProStart and HTM.”
Global sponsors for these events included Keiser University, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality, and Universal Orlando. Other sponsors were Disney Culinary, Ecolab, Florida Atlantic University, and Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
The list of winners includes Martin County High School from Stuart securing first place overall in both ProStart competitions while Stoneman Douglas High School from Parkland won overall in HTM competitions.
ProStart educates nearly 150,000 students nationwide in culinary arts with approximately 30,000 students enrolled annually in Florida alone. The curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities aimed at setting a high standard for future industry leaders.
The Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) program introduces around 2,000 Florida students each year to global aspects of hospitality with a focus on diversity driven by input from over 60 industry leaders.
For further details about these programs or FRLA’s initiatives contact Director Laura Rumer via email or visit their website.
