Southern Adirondack Educational Center Takes Home 2nd Place at the 7th Annual National ProStart Invitational

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ALBANY, NY (05/12/2008)(readMedia)-- The New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation announced today that the students from Southern Adirondack Educational Center won 2nd Place in the MANAGEMENT competition at the 7th Annual National ProStart Invitational, held April 24-26 in San Diego, California. The competition, presented by National Restaurant Association Solutions, brought together the top ProStart® students from 35 states, territories and districts to battle for medals, prizes and scholarships in both a culinary and management competition. As a result of their success, the students were awarded several scholarships from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and The Coca-Cola Company, the competition’s Premier Sponsor.

“These talented students rose to the top of the competition, and brought home the honor of 2nd Place for the entire state,” said Executive Director, Harold Qualters. “Their success is a testament of the hard work done by the students, teachers and mentors, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. We are honored to support these students as they embark on a career in this exciting industry, and anticipate great success for them.”

The Southern Adirondack Management team consisted of Jamie Norton, Greg Hutchison, Nick Greene, Breanna Donovan and Ryan Mercado. The team was taught by Chef Charlie Jones. To conquer this event, teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by competing in a case study – where competitors were tested on their communication skills and ability to apply their knowledge of the industry to practical situations – and in a question-and-answer “game show”-style event.

The NYSRA Educational Foundation was also proud to send the winning state culinary team to the national competition as well. Participating students from the Capital Region Career & Tech School were Katrina Gannon, Aaron Glebitz, Matthew Hudson, Kayla Williams and Michael Cushman. The team was taught by Nancy Iannacone.

The ProStart program encompasses approximately 60,000 students and 1,600 teachers in 47 states, territories and districts. The career-building program was developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and is managed nationally by National Restaurant Association Solutions in conjunction with state restaurant associations. The ProStart program is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. For additional information, contact the NYSRA Educational Foundation at 888-452-5522.