From March 28–30, ten talented students from North Lamar High School competed in the Texas ProStart Competition, a prestigious event where high school students from across the state showcase their culinary and restaurant management skills.
This exciting, real-world competition allows students to earn scholarships, win prizes, and potentially advance to the National ProStart Invitational.
All ten North Lamar participants were awarded $2,000 scholarships from Johnson & Wales University to further their culinary education after graduation.
North Lamar competed in two divisions:
Nationals Team – focused on students pursuing careers in the culinary field:
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Itzel Aguilar
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Wiley Quillen
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William Trenchard
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Tyler Fisher
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Levi Cone (Team Manager/Alternate)
Lone Star Team – designed to encourage creativity and learning:
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Aliyah Hayes
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Mogan Hicks
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Isabel Gomez
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Alician Band
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Clayton Clark (Team Manager/Alternate)
Beyond the competition, students engaged with top leaders in the culinary and hospitality industries, including:
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The President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Foundation
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The Senior Vice President of Raising Cane’s
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The CEO of CEC Entertainment (Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza)
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A former White House Chef
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Several celebrity chefs from Food Network
“This competition is more than just a showcase of skills—it’s an opportunity to connect our students with industry professionals and inspire their future,” said teacher, Chef Mickey Reed. “We are so proud of the effort, creativity, and professionalism they demonstrated throughout the event.”
With sights already set on next year, the North Lamar Culinary Team has begun planning and preparing for another exciting competition season.
Group photo: back left to right:
Levi Cone, Tyler Fisher, Clayton Clark, William Trenchard, Wiley Quillen
Front row (L to R)
Itzel Aguilar, Aliyah Hayes, Isabel Gomez, Morgan Hicks, Alician Bland
2nd photo: Alician Bland (left) and Aliyah Hayes (right) work together during the Texas ProStart Competition, representing North Lamar with skill and professionalism. North Lamar’s young chefs impressed judges and industry leaders while earning scholarships to continue their culinary journey!
