Newman Smith High School culinary student, Justin Brown, has earned a scholarship from the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association (GDRA). Justin says his affinity for eating inspired his interest in cooking. He began with an American staple – the grilled cheese sandwich and his interest grew. He found recipes on YouTube and explored different cooking techniques on his own, preparing meals for his family.
Scholarship
Justin was awarded $2500 from the GDRA which will be used toward his further education in culinary arts at El Centro College. Students from 48 high schools in GDRA’s chapter area applied for the scholarships, with 14 being awarded to applicants that stood out to the Association. GDRA Executive Director, Jerry Walker, stated that one of the factors that stood out in Justin’s application was his essay, in which he explained why he wants to be part of this industry.
Food as an art form
Justin likes to draw and sees plating as an art form unto itself. Justin says, “you have to make it look appetizing, because if it doesn’t look appetizing, no one will want to eat it.” Just states that Culinary Arts director, Martha Dodson, is his favorite teacher because she has helped him develop his cooking skillset.
Culinary Arts at Smith High School
The Culinary Arts program at Newman Smith High School emphasizes the principles of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling the management of a variety of food service operations. The course provides insight into the operation of a well-run restaurant. This laboratory-based course begins with the fundamentals and principles of the art of food preparation and includes management and production skills and techniques. Students in the Culinary Arts program can pursue a national sanitation certification and other industry certifications. The knowledge and skills required for careers in the restaurant, food, and beverage industry are practiced as food is prepared for a campus based restaurant, Café Smith.
