Last year, the San Dimas High School culinary team gained a huge amount of success as they won the ProStart National Championship. This season, expectations for the team remain high, however the team faces a new challenge. The only returning member, Senior Kyle Yamate, is excpected to lead a fresh group of members. Preperation for this season looks a little different as a new group works to live up to the successful legacy of this program.
The level of commitment displayed by this team is unlike any other. Mr. Brandler, the culinary class instructor, has been setting up this year’s team for greatness by not taking it easy on them at all. From the moment school ends to about 9pm to 10pm at night, the team is working diligently. They have been working on the development of their three course meal and have been aiming at perfecting every aspect.
Junior Alexa Aguilera is new to the competition team this year. Being that she is coming into the best culinary team in the nation, she gives thanks to Mr. Brandler because she feels as though he put no pressure to meet last years expectations; Aguilera describes it as being a smooth transition. When being asked what she is most excited about heading into the competition, the junior states, “I’m most excited for the competition itself and to see all of our supporters go out to see us put our hard work to use.”
Yamate shares that as the only returning member, he was given the title of captain this year. He explains that his job is to guide the team towards success. “One of the biggest challenges is having to build the team from the ground up, and even though it has been hard, I believe that this is such a wonderful experience for everyone.” When being asked what success looks like for the team this season, Yamate mentions that he is hoping to place in the top 5 with his team.
Ella Carranza a sophmore who also newly joined the team, has already gained an enormous amount of knowledge. Carranza states, “I’ve learned how to cook new dishes and work with more advanced recipes. I’ve also learned the importance of maintaning sanitary, so that we don’t contaminate the food. I feel like I am still learning more of the competition rules every day at practice.” The sophmore describes her team as making progress because they are constantly doing run throughs of making their dishes. She says that this is helpful because it gives them practice for the real competition.
Overall, the team is full of aspiring potential this year. The team has showed their dedication through the countless hours of practice and even experience in the field through field trips and mentorships this year. Big things are expected for this team. Success is guaranteed for the San Dimas High School culinary team, the current number one program in the nation.
