Rhode Island’s top culinary students to compete for chance at thousands in scholarships

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The RI Hospitality Education Foundation is celebrating the 30th year of its annual Pro-Start Competition.

Fifty culinary and hospitality students from Rhode Island are competing for scholarships and a chance to show off their skills nationally.

Only the top high school culinary and hospitality students get to compete for $700,000 in scholarships.

Students to reflected on their trajectory in being selected to compete.

“Our chef came up to us and said we did really good on our presentation,” said student Adriana Jimenez.

“It was something similar to this where had to make a concept of a food truck and present it to the class and considered us for the competition.”

The tasting judges emphasized how important it is to support the next generation.

“These young people when they have their break, they’re gonna be running and flooding all these different businesses, and that’s where they’re gonna get their practical training,” said tasting judge Frank Terranova.

“A lot of hard work is involved. But they love it, it’s in their system and they’re gonna have a ball, I wish them the best of luck.”

Students who win in this state competition will have the chance to represent Rhode Island in the national Pro-Start Invitational National competition in Baltimore.