Where many high schools have long gotten rid of cooking programs/food education, Dewey has doubled down on culinary experiences for our students.
Through the Business Management and Culinary Arts Academy, students have the chance to “train in all aspects of culinary arts — from knife skills and menu planning to baking, catering, and event service,” according to our school’s website.
Aside from during the school day, students also have weekly opportunities to join Cooking Club with Mr. Yung, International Culinary Club with Ms. Chan, and Baking Club with Carito.
Whether trying to improve your at-home cooking skills, or seeking career opportunities related to cooking, this opportunity gives aspiring students skills and knowledge that is very valuable in their everyday lives.
“The thing that inspired me to get into culinary is my teacher Ms. Chan because I like how she was teaching my class and how I understood a lot,” said senior Joceyln Vivas.
Her favorite dish so far was a Chili recipe. “It had a nice smoky flavor by the mix of seasonings together like paprika and cocoa powder that made a good smoky flavor,” said Vivas.
Vivas also reflected on the challenges she’s overcome, saying “The hardest thing I learned in this class was cutting carrots into batonette slices for the Nocti exam”.
As the head of a busy kitchen, Ms. Chan emphasizes preparation, communication, and teamwork in the kitchen. “It’s important to learn the fundamentals. You have to learn how to walk before you run,” said culinary teacher Ms. Chan.
“Being prepared is very important. If I’m unprepared, then they’re unprepared. And if I’m flustered, they’re flustered,” she said. Students also learn that mistakes are part of the process.
Education and skills are not the only things students enjoy about the Culinary Arts. Students enjoy sharing the dishes they make with friends and family and see a future in the culinary industry. Ms. Chan also emphasizes how growth and progress can be made even from kitchen mess ups.
“In the kitchen, people make mistakes all the time. We learn from them and grow from them. It’s okay to make mistakes. Some are fixable, and some aren’t.”
If you’re interested in learning more about our culinary program, please visit Ms. Chan in Room 135 during periods 4,7, and 8 for more information.
Ashley Asmal Ronzon, a student in the Business & Culinary Arts Academy, says with the education she’s provided with she does see herself working in the culinary field in the near future. Asmal Ronzon added that “I love being able to create something and see other people enjoy it and I just really like working with food too.”
