It’s officially that time of year: enrollment information has been passed out, incoming freshmen have toured the school, and all Ravens have began to think about what is best for them in the upcoming year. Olathe Northwest may be home to some of the district’s most cutting-edge 21st Century Programs, but for some Ravens, their interests lie beyond the building.
The culinary arts department provides the best. Photo courtesy of Olathe North High School
The Culinary Arts Program at Olathe North has opened its doors for incoming juniors and seniors to tour, giving all students a chance to try something they love away from their home school. The program is very prestigious, as it takes up the first three hours of the school day, not including any afterschool participation in its highly decorated restaurant or competition training.
“I was interested in the Culinary program because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a really long time,” sophomore applicant, Kayla Daniel said. “It’s something that I heard about in seventh grade and I haven’t changed my mind since.”
Being part of such an intense program can definitely reap rewards for any student that finds their passion in anything food.
“I hope I will get to understand the actual work it takes to run a restaurant because that is what I would like to do,” Daniel said. “The competitions I’ve also heard are really fun and a great learning experience.”
Even though freshmen and sophomores are not allowed to be in the Culinary Arts Program, they are encouraged to take the foods classes that are already taught here at ONW. Culinary Prep I, Baking and Food Science and Culinary Prep II are three courses that can give students the foundation they will need to be successful in the program at North, as well as any professional application.
“I think the hardest thing about going to two different schools is when we have football and basketball games against each other! Going to two different schools doesn’t really worry me all that much, I worry more about the after school activities I might have to give up and keeping my GPA up,” Daniel said.
For any student that is serious in perusing a career in the culinary or restaurant business, this program is definitely worth checking out.
