New Culinary Arts Program Offers New Opportunities

In just a few weeks after the ribbon cutting ceremony, the D155 Crystal Lake South High School (CLSHS) Culinary Program is well underway and performing better than ever expected. With the installation of a brand new Culinary Arts kitchen at CLSHS in October, this state of the art facility is an enviable commercial kitchen to behold. Equipped with all the latest features and apparatus.

Handy Line Companion series of Heated Holding Foodservice Equipment
FWE Model HLC-2127 food warmer for School Foodservice

With the help of McHenry County College (MCC), awarding grant money and materials, Community High School District 155 (D155) students can now enroll in a Culinary Arts I & Culinary Arts II program. MCC also provided ServSafe textbooks, available for students to get a head start and by earning Managers Certification. Other donations, like that of Food Warming Equipment, Inc. (FWE)sought fit to donate several brand new Heated Holding Cabinets (Model: HLC-2127-9-9) to the project. Much-needed equipment, to students endeavor, that help them take charge of lucrative business opportunities as entrepreneurs and management in future hospitality and foodservice.

Deron Lichte with donated Heated Holding Cabinet at Crystal Lake South High School
At Center; Deron Lichte, FWE President and Michelle Kidd Industry / Careers Division and lead of the new Culinary Arts program.

Kristin Sedej, (FCSI, Principal & Owner of S2O Consultants) did a spectacular job at taking this small space and creating something amazing. “We are quite impressed with what this facility has to offer and excited about the outcome for the students who will be developing real-world skills,” said FWE President, Deron Lichte while touring the well appointed kitchen of his alma mater’s new program.

“My goal after high school is to pursue a career in culinary arts and hoping to get my bachelors degree it is my dream to one day to have my own restaurant and not cooking for the money but to cook to make other people happy and to do what I love and that is cooking,” said Eduardo Hernandez, said Crystal Lake Central senior.

– “For the 2017-18 school year, 193 In Culinary Arts I Commercial students study the principles of nutrition and food preparation including food service and meal management. Students will earn the Food Handler’s Certification upon completion of this course and passing of the state exam. The Culinary Arts II Commercial course is designed to expand the student’s skills by preparing and presenting a variety of food products. Students can also elect to take the Managers Certification exam.”- D155 News Post October, 12