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On March 3rd at Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH, Pinkerton Academy Culinary students competed in the NH ProStart State Invitational, working in both the culinary and management categories. They ultimately won both categories for the first time in Pinkerton history and will advance to the ProStart National Invitational.

By Lilliana Cunha, '26

The competition is a challenging one, requiring students to collaborate on various aspects of the culinary business. 

“Students start by researching and developing a three-course menu composed of an appetizer, entree, and dessert,” said Desjardin. “The team of five students must take into consideration that they only have one hour to prepare two portions of each course using only two portable butane burners.”

Additionally, on the management side, Desjardin explained, “Students must then create a theme and outline their concept, develop a floor plan, specify and generate examples of their decor, perform a SWOT analysis, generate an organizational chart, compose a menu, create and cost recipes, and make and photograph up to four of their menu items.”

After receiving a first-place title in both categories, Desjardin reflected on the moment.

“I couldn't have been more proud of this group of kids,” said Desjardin. “They have all been working so hard preparing since the beginning of December, and the schools they were competing against were all performing on incredibly high levels. It was great to see these students recognized for all of the hard work they put into preparing for states and the feedback they received from all of the judges.”

Students who competed on the culinary team include Laya Brown, Sophia DeAngelo, Megan Delinas, Kiley Hewey, and Presley Nettles; the management team was made up of Gabriella Strabone and Mollie Wheale. 

The program was further recognized as Chef Desjardin was recently awarded the NH ProStart Teacher of the Year Award. 

The teams will compete at the Pro Start National Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, in April.