LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 2008) – Arkansas High School culinary and hospitality students competed in the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s ProStart Student Invitational sponsored by Tyson Food Service, a division of Tyson Foods, Inc. Teams were judged on hotel and lodging management, talents in the kitchen, and other professional skills in three specific contest segments: culinary, quiz bowl, and case study. Springdale High School won the competition and will travel to San Diego, Calif., April 24-26 for the 7th Annual National ProStart Student Invitational.
The two-day event began with the culinary contest where students prepared dishes using Tyson® 100% All Natural ™ Chicken Breast at the center of the plate. The teams were graded on menu development, content, and timeliness of the food prepared. On day two, the participants were tested on general knowledge of the restaurant industry in a quiz bowl format-questions ranged from sanitation and ingredients to restaurant jargon and office management lingo. During the final round of competition, the teams were presented with a multifaceted challenge that they had to resolve as if they were restaurant management professionals.
Springdale High School was announced as the winner at an awards luncheon on February 29. The ceremony also included scholarship presentations from culinary schools, colleges, and universities. The celebration was hosted by Arkansas first lady, Ginger Beebe, at the Governor’s Mansion. Guests enjoyed a plated meal featuring Tyson 100% All Natural™ Chicken provided by event sponsor Tyson Food Service.
“Tyson Food Service is a proud sponsor of the ProStart competition. It is great to see how a team of young culinarians grows together and succeeds in competition” explained Uta Schepers, corporate chef, Tyson Food Service.
“On behalf of Tyson Food Service, we wish the students and their teachers good luck in San Diego.”
“These students have worked hard to develop professional and interpersonal skills that will last a lifetime, and now they’ll have a chance to demonstrate those skills on the national stage,”
said Montine McNulty, hospitality association executive director of the winning team. “The culinary competition tests not only cooking skills, but also teamwork, sanitation awareness, proper technique, plate presentation, and more. These are skills and abilities that will serve these young people well as they pursue careers in restaurant management and the culinary arts–one of the fastest-growing sectors of the hospitality industry. “
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
