Pierre ProStart® team wins cake decorating, takes 2nd in culinary at state competition

The Pierre T.F. Riggs High School team placed in two of the three competition categories during Tuesday’s (March 12, 2024) South Dakota ProStart® Invitational, held in Pierre.

Teams from 10 high schools competed in contests focused on teaching culinary arts and restaurant management fundamentals through a combination of classroom and industry experience. The Pierre team placed first in Cake Decorating and 2^nd in Culinary.

Melissa Johnson owns “Oh My Cupcakes” in Sioux Falls and was one of the judges for the dessert portion of the Culinary competition.

Chef Joseph Raney is one of the owners of Skogen Kitchen in Custer. He was impressed with the ambitious menus the teams put together.

Johnson hopes to see the participants make their careers in the restaurant industry.

Raney says the ProStart® students will be incredible assets for all types of restaurants.

The top-placing teams from both the culinary and management competitions earn scholarships to continue their education and earn the right to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in , in May.

CONTEST RESULTS:

Cake Decorating:

Pierre T.F. Riggs
Sturgis Brown High School

Pierre ProStart® cake decorating team, Kierstan Miller (L) and MacKenzie Magee (R).
Courtesy photo.

Management:

Northeast Technical (Watertown)
Huron High School

Culinary:

Sioux Falls CTE Academy
Pierre T.F. Riggs

Pierre ProStart® culinary team.
Courtesy photo.

President’s Award– Alex Spell of Mitchell CTE Academy. The award is given to an individual who exhibits leadership throughout the day’s tough competition.

Knife Skills Award– Alex Brenner of Sioux Falls CTE Academy. Brenner received the due to her overall technique and talent in the kitchen.

Participating schools were Florence High School, Harrisburg High School, Huron High School, Madison Central High School, Mitchell Career and Technical Academy, Mobridge-Pollock High School, Northeast Technical High School (Watertown), Pierre T.F. Riggs High School, Sioux Falls Career and Technical Academy, and Sturgis Brown High School.

The contest is organized by the South Dakota Retailers Association.