Food is top priority for just about every high school student, and what better way to celebrate your love for food then with ProStart? If food isn’t your number one priority, don’t worry, FCCLA has you covered. These clubs available to Coronado students are providing new opportunities and experiences open to those interested.

If you have a passion for cooking high quality dishes with a dash of competition in the mix, ProStart is the perfect option for you. Prostart is both a class and a club and those hoping to take it to a competitive level have to try out but, the class is open to all those interested. The class is year long and both the class and club is run by Mrs. Ager. There are also two sections of the program consisting of ProStart Level 1 and then Level 2. ProStart focuses on the, “fundamentals of the restaurant and foodservice industry. It covers all aspects from front of the house to back of the house to management skills in the workplace for foodservice,”according to Ager. Students enrolled in the ProStart class also have the chance to try out for the competition aspect of the program. The contest is a, “national competition in the Spring and is usually in the beginning of March. It is a two day event providing an opportunity for students to compete,” Ms. Ager explains. Coronado prepares a menu beforehand and aims to amaze the judges on taste, preparation, and presentation at the competition and without fail do just that.

If you’re looking for some more competition and a chance to help your community, FCCLA STAR competitions are another opportunity for any Coronado student interested in travel and creating inspiring projects. Ms. Sveen, the club advisor describes FCCLA as, “A student run organization that stands for Family Career and Community Leaders of America and its basically an organization that focuses on leadership. We do meetings, community service, as well as competitive events. Students can gain leadership skills, they can really grow as a person, connect to their community, and just kind of have a good time when they’re in high school while developing themselves along the way.”

Students are given the chance to present their events at a district, state, and then with the required scores a national level competition. The events have different requirements and “there is something for everyone whether you are shy and wanting to get out and meet some people or if you’re looking to further your career in a certain aspect,” Ms. Sveen explains. The STAR events stand for Students Taking Action With Recognition and, “usually if someone has a problem or concern they use the STAR event to work through that so they gain their own personal knowledge and create awareness or advocacy for an issue,” and the events have been, “turned into competitive events so not only are you learning more about something or creating awareness but you also compete.” The experience is memorable and provides members with new learning opportunities at every corner.

For those interested in the travel aspect of FCCLA, after the district competition, members travel to Denver, CO for the state competition. With their scores allowing, the national competition is held at a different location each year and is alternated. This year it will be held in Atlanta, GA where in past years it has been held in places such as Nashville, TN and San Diego, CA.

For a chance to travel and compete with your friends, FCCLA and Prostart are great options for resumes and an overall exciting experience for all. Try something new and join some of the amazing clubs Coronado has to offer!