GCPS culinary students earn top honors at state culinary competition

     Culinary and Hospitality Management teams at Berkmar High School and Meadowcreek High School dominated first, second, and third place in their respective categories at the 2026 Georgia ProStart Invitational. In addition, Meadowcreek High senior Noah Butler was named the 2026 Coca-Cola ProStart Student of the Year. He was awarded a scholarship to the college of his choice.

     “It is an honor to be recognized as ProStart Student of the Year,” Noah says. “Competition was very nerve-wracking, but also required a lot of knowledge and understanding about what you are. Furthermore, it was a really welcoming environment where I could be myself as well as my teammates.”

     These accomplishments reflect Gwinnett County Public Schools’ (GCPS) commitment to Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) opportunities that help students develop advanced, future-ready skills and explore career interests.

     Berkmar High Culinary Arts Instructor Chef James Bryant is proud of his students and describes first place as that moment where everything clicks.

     “Winning first and third place at the Georgia ProStart competition feels like validation—but more than anything, it feels like growth paying off,” Bryant shares. “For me, it’s not just about the placements—it’s about watching students rise to the occasion, trust the process, and perform with confidence. That’s the real win.”

     The Culinary Competition focuses on creative abilities by having teams prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes using only two butane burners, with no electricity or running water. Teams are judged on taste, safety, sanitation, and knife skills, with specific penalties for arriving late, exceeding time limits, or using prohibited equipment. The Management Competition challenges teams to develop a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept, including a menu, marketing tactics, and functional floor plans, and present it to a panel of experienced industry judges. Teams are judged on their written proposal, verbal presentation, and ability to think on their feet, with top teams earning scholarships.

     Berkmar High teams placed first and third in both categories of the competition, making it the team's 4th straight ProStart title. The school will now represent Georgia at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), taking place April 24-26, 2026, in Baltimore.

Jesse Silva, a 12th-grade management team member, says the competition was nerve-wracking, but she’s proud of her team.

     “This wasn’t just about winning; it was about everything we poured into getting there. We didn’t just work as a team, we grew together, we trusted each other, and we supported each other through every step,” Jesse adds.

Meadowcreek High’s teams placed second in the Culinary and Hospitality Management categories.

     Chef Jay Richardson, a Culinary Arts Instructor at Meadowcreek High, says students prepare for the competition by completing class research projects and engaging in public speaking activities.

     “[Competition] is intense, but sharpens [students’] awareness of the restaurant industry, and gives them a sense of reality when challenged by industry peers. It also boosts their self-confidence and strengthens their ability to speak publicly and think critically,” Richardson adds. “I am beyond proud of this team and how much they have grown.”

Rehan Tariq, a 12th-grade student in the culinary arts program, says the management competition is difficult but extremely rewarding.

     “Though it may seem intimidating, we were able to think on our feet and tackle real-world problems faced in the restaurant industry,” Rehan adds. “I am so proud of our team this year. With all the work we put in, winning second place made it worth the effort.”

     Visit the Georgia Restaurant Association to learn more about the Georgia ProStart Invitational Culinary and Management Competitions.