Marion Co. ProStart Students Demonstrate Skills

Marion County ProStart students recently participated in the Governor's Conference for Travel and Tourism at the Radisson Hotel in Morgantown. Students from all three of the county's high schools prepared delicacies for the afternoon break as part of the three-day event.

The menu included the following: Chili Shrimp in Cucumber Cups, Greek Tarts, Café Chicken Salad on Assorted Crackers, Strawberries Dressed in Chocolate, Frosted Grapes and Mini Pavlovas with Mixed Berries.

"The table display was beautiful," said Tammy Durbin, an event participant. "I really enjoyed sampling each of the exciting menu items."

The ProStart Culinary Team achieved third place in a statewide competition at the Greenbrier Resort last spring, and Diana Kincell was recently named West Virginia ProStart Teacher of the Year. Kincell teaches two ProStart programs: one at the North Marion, Marion County Vocational Center, and the second as a partnership with Fairmont State Community & Technical College offered on Fairmont State's campus. Enrollment for the ProStart program has nearly doubled over the past year.

Chef Brian Floyd, CEC, Coordinator for the Fairmont State Culinary Arts and Pastry & Baking Arts programs, is the Marion County ProStart mentor chef.

"I am always amazed at the level of professionalism and performance that the high school students are able to achieve," Floyd said. "Everyone at the event (Travel and Tourism Conference) thought these students were in college. I am very proud of their efforts."

Anna Ash, a second year ProStart student, appreciated the group's teamwork.

"The catering at the Radisson was a very good experience," she said. "Our teamwork showed in our presentation of the food. Overall, I think that everyone liked the food and was astonished that we were high school students."

The students contributing to the display were the following: representing East Fairmont High School -- Dan Abel, Kayla Kisner and Zack Long; representing North Marion High School -- Andrew Drain and Misty Wilson; and representing Fairmont Senior High School -- Anna Ash, Amanda Copney and Paris Woods.