ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) demonstrated their culinary prowess at the 2025 Maryland ProStart Student Invitational, securing the top three positions among the state’s top eight high school teams. The competition, which highlights the skills of aspiring young chefs, showcased the talent within AACPS’s ProStart program, with Northeast High School’s team taking first place and South River High School teams earning second and third.
Northeast High School’s team, consisting of Connor Bateman, IfeOluwa Olajide, Jairo Lopez, and M.J. Monforte, claimed the top spot, impressing judges with their culinary skills. Their victory earned them a spot at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Baltimore in May 2025, where they will compete against teams from across the country. South River High School’s teams followed closely, with Tania Gomez, Megan Preis, Camaya Wise, and Jackie Menjivar securing second place, and Aileen Oshlo, Katherine Lippincott, and Rin Holly taking third.
The Maryland ProStart Student Invitational is a premier culinary competition for high school students, part of a nationwide two-year program that bridges classroom learning with the foodservice industry. ProStart, supported by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, prepares students for careers in restaurants and hospitality by teaching skills like professional food preparation, menu planning, and customer service. Students in the program can earn certifications such as ProStart and ServSafe, as well as gain hands-on experience through internships, according to AACPS’s Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism program details.
The competition requires teams to demonstrate culinary expertise in a high-pressure, professional setting, often preparing a three-course meal within a strict time limit while adhering to industry standards. Northeast High’s win highlights the strength of AACPS’s culinary arts education, which includes real-world training through programs certified by the American Culinary Federation Foundation. South River’s strong showing further underscores the district’s commitment to fostering talent in this field.
AACPS, serving 84,452 students across 126 schools, has a robust career and technical education program, with ProStart being a key component for those interested in hospitality. The success of these teams reflects the opportunities provided to students of varied backgrounds to excel in competitive, industry-aligned programs.
The National ProStart Invitational, set for May in Baltimore, will bring together top state winners to compete for scholarships and recognition. Northeast High’s team will represent Maryland, carrying forward the momentum from their state victory. The event not only offers a platform for students to shine but also connects them with industry professionals, potentially opening doors to future careers.
This achievement aligns with AACPS’s mission to ensure all graduates are career- and college-ready, as stated on their website. The district’s focus on practical, industry-standard training has positioned its students as leaders in Maryland’s culinary education landscape, setting a high bar for future competitions.
