Elk Grove High School Principal Paul Kelly and 17-year-old Brittany Reyes laugh while making cookies in the school’s new state-of-the-art culinary lab Monday. The $1.6 million facility opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Elk Grove Village may be best known for manufacturing pinball machines and high-tech equipment in the nation’s largest business park, but the town is soon producing a new commodity: top-notch chefs. Maybe.
Village, business and education leaders gathered Monday to celebrate the opening of a new $1.6 million state-of-the-art culinary lab at Elk Grove High School.
Officials say the project, funded in part by a $750,000 grant from the village, will improve the Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school district by providing students with a learning environment comparable to a professional kitchen. It is said to be a revolution in culinary education.
“This has been an amazing process and a great partnership with Elk Grove Village, who helped us make this happen as part of our workforce development efforts and work-based learning programs. ” said Elk Grove High Principal. Paul Kelly said.
The 2,309 square foot lab is equipped with six gas ranges, a commercial oven, blender, dishwasher, griddle and more. Adjacent classrooms host lessons and catered events for students to show off their skills.
The Culinary Lab is connected to District 214’s curriculum changes, which will combine the school’s business and entrepreneurial career pathways with the culinary arts pathway. This allows students to learn all aspects of running a food-related business, from preparing meals to running a restaurant and operating a catering service.
The new $1.6 million culinary lab that opened Monday at Elk Grove High School is equipped with commercial-grade equipment. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
“This is due to the tremendous support from the District 214 School Board, District 214 leadership, and Elk Grove Village to ensure that our children receive more than just a regular traditional education. It’s the latest in a series of events that prove, ‘I’m not kidding, it’s the same old cookie cutter where everyone has to get the same four-year degree,”’ Kelly said. .
Officials will celebrate the opening of Elk Grove High School’s new state-of-the-art culinary lab Monday. Pictured from left are Scott Lowe, superintendent of Northwest Suburban High School District 214. Elk Grove High School Principal Paul Kelly. School Board President Alva Kreutzer; Brittany Reyes, senior; Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig B. Johnson; and other school board members. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
“Each child has a unique path and opportunities like this are an opportunity to demonstrate our consistent commitment to giving each child the best possible outcome, no matter what their path may be.” It’s a testament to the effort,” he added.
District leaders said the new lab will also allow for program expansion, adding space to accommodate about 40 more students.
In addition to Elk Grove High School, District 214 includes Buffalo Grove High School, Hershey High School, Prospect High School, Rolling Meadows High School, and Wheeling High School.
This is not the first time Elk Grove Village has made a significant financial contribution to enhance its high school technical education program. The village previously provided a $500,000 grant to fund renovations to the school’s advanced manufacturing lab and the development of a micro-internship program with local businesses.
Frank Fiarito, director of Northwest Suburban High School District 214, and Brittany Reyes, 17, a senior at Elk Grove High School, make cookies in the school’s new state-of-the-art culinary lab. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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