The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) has announced the achievements of Florida teams at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational, organized by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF). The event in Baltimore saw participation from over 400 students representing 47 states and Washington, D.C., competing for $200,000 in scholarships.
Wekiva High School from Apopka secured fourth place nationally in the restaurant management category with their concept for Sabor, a contemporary Mexican restaurant. The team included Onyx Castillo, Zariah Edwards, Isaac Aristud, Aubrey Pugh, and Parker Masangkay under faculty instructor Christopher Bates. Their victory at the state level propelled them to this national success, earning each student up to $23,000 in scholarships.
Strawberry Crest High School from Dover ranked 12th in the culinary competition. Under faculty instructor Paul Bonanno, students Rubicel Lopez, Jadira Ipanaque, Savannah Heist, Sophia Reyes, and Riley Clark prepared a three-course menu within an hour. Their offerings included a burrata stack appetizer and a seared duck breast entrée with dessert being hibiscus poached pear.
Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation expressed pride stating: “Congratulations to our teams for their strong showing at the National ProStart Invitational! These competitions not only highlight our students’ skills but also open doors through scholarships and national recognition.”
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA remarked on hospitality’s significance to Florida’s economy saying: “As Florida’s leading industry… these exceptional high school students represent its bright future… With the nation’s largest ProStart program… Our young leaders have proven their talent and drive.”
ProStart is recognized as a nationwide high school career program focusing on culinary arts and restaurant management skills. It educates nearly 150,000 students annually across the United States. Florida hosts the largest program with about 30,000 students each year.
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