March 1, 2017 – Waterloo, IA – The self-proclaimed “Dream Team” from Waterloo West High School was crowned the state’s culinary champion yesterday at the 2017 Iowa ProStart® Invitational hosted at the Iowa Events Center by the Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation. This is the third year in a row that Waterloo West has won the state culinary championship. The team of five students will represent Iowa at the National ProStart Invitational in Charleston, SC, April 28-30, where 400 students from across the country will be competing for millions of scholarship dollars. “Top Chef” Style Culinary Competition Culinary teams were given 60 minutes to prepare a three-course meal using only two butane burners. Teams then presented their dishes to a panel of industry professional judges from across the state to taste and critique. Their cooking techniques, knife skills, sanitation, and teamwork were also evaluated. Runners-up in the culinary competition included: 2^nd place – Waukee High School 3^rd place – Burlington High School ProStart – Equal Parts Hands-On Culinary Training and Entrepreneurial Education ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year, career and technical education program that develops high school students into tomorrow’s leaders and workforce. Similar to the AP model in other academic areas, it includes national certification exams, grants post-secondary credits and an industry-recognized credential. It’s equal parts entrepreneurial/management education and hands-on culinary arts training. ProStart students learn practical skills, build business savvy, and develop leadership abilities in the classroom so they can walk into the real world ready to make an impact in the hospitality industry and beyond.

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Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation (IRAEF) The IRAEF is the leading education resource for the development of a professional and highly-skilled hospitality workforce in the state of Iowa, building connections between educational entities and industry employers seeking trained, qualified students and job candidates.

Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association Work: 515-276-1454 Cell: 515-988-5102 kkostek@restaurantiowa.com