The Mid-Prairie High School family and consumer science program is adding a unique educational facility. The construction of a culinary learning lab will begin at the end of this school year. While the school was discussing replacing the family and consumer science room, which was originally built in the 1960’s, teachers suggested a different course of action. They thought it would be more beneficial to build a commercial kitchen, as opposed to a residential kitchen. They can teach students to cook at home using a commercial kitchen, but they couldn’t teach how to cook commercially in a home kitchen.
The culinary lab will enable students to get a jump start on future careers. Superintendent Mark Schneider explained the students will be able to receive Pro Start Certification in cooking, which can be taken to restaurants and apply as chefs.
The project also drew the attention of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation; at their grant presentation, Mid-Prairie was awarded $100,000 towards the new culinary lab. Family and consumer science teacher Sarah O’Rourke said the students were shocked at the amount the project received, and that everyone was very grateful for the unique help they’re able to receive thanks to the WCRF.
Schneider estimates construction will take about a year to finish, so it’s likely the culinary lab will be ready for use in the fall of 2017.