ProStart Competition Showcases Students’ Culinary and Restaurant Management Skills

Teams of high school students from across the state, including Madison Central, put their culinary and hospitality management skills to the test at the 13th Annual South Dakota ProStart Invitational, held last week in Pierre.  

The ProStart Invitational is an event where students demonstrate food preparation and safety procedures, hospitality management, public speaking, and other valuable job skills. Competitions included culinary, management, and cake decorating.

Mitchell CTE took the top prize in the culinary and restaurant management divisions, while Sturgis Brown High School students took first place in the state cake decorating division.  

Two students were presented with culinary achievement awards.  Tony Wollman of Mobridge-Pollock was awarded the President’s Award, given to an individual who exhibits leadership throughout the day’s competition. 

The South Dakota Retailers Association honored Alex Ritesman of Harrisburg High School. Ritesman received the Knife Skills Award due to her overall technique and talent in the kitchen.

ProStart is a joint effort of the South Dakota Department of Education, the South Dakota Retailers Association, and the South Dakota ProStart Advisory Committee.