The Rayne High ProStart Team once again took home the State Championship trophy in the Louisiana Restaurant Association ProStart Management Competition held Feb. 28 through March 2 at the Ponchatrain Center in Kenner.

Team members of Andre Rochon, Katherine Meche, Victoria Williams, Juwan Sims, alternate Sara Leger, and faculty sponsor Kandice Dequeant.

The team comprised a restaurant business proposal concept, “Far Out, Futuristic Family Dining,” and completed every aspect of the planning of menu, costing, marketing, decorations, floor plan design, concept description, budgeting, etc.

Team members completed a truly amazing job representing Rayne High and Acadia Parish at the competition demonstrating professionalism, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a wealth of knowledge and talent at the state competition

The Rayne High presentation was widely attended as the presentation room filled with people waiting to see what the returning national champions had to offer. In a room mostly vacant during the other presentations of the day, filled with spectators for the Rayne High presentation. Starting to feel the pressure along with a little nerves, the Rayne High team pulled it together like pros and presented their 10-minute verbal presentation and 20-minute question and answer session flawlessly.

The judges (restaurant owners, chefs, culinary professors and chain marketing managers) shared repeatedly, how proud they were that high school students from Louisiana were capable of producing such fantastic work, and they were ready to invest in the concept.

The crowd roared with cheers after their speech and again when the Rayne High students exited the room after the question and answer session.

Named State Champions for the second time in as many years, the Rayne High team was head and shoulders above their competition as many spectators raved about them.

Thanks to all for support of this program that has a positive impact on the lives of these students. Some have decided to pursue this as their career path, and they certainly have the funds to do so. For the state championship, each team member received over $41,000 in scholarships to various business/hospitality management programs, and culinary arts programs from colleges around the country. However, even if they choose never to pursue a business or culinary career, these students have definitely gained a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that will help them no matter where their life may lead.

Rayne High will try to defend their national championship as they head back to the National Competition in April representing Louisiana.

Rayne High appreciates continued support as they prepare to hopefully bring home another National title.

NOTE: The Rayne High ProStart Team is in need of business and/or personal sponsorships to fund their trip to the National competition slated next month in Overland, Kansas. Business sponsors will have their business logo featured on the team’s competition shirts. All donations are tax deductible. Call 334-3691 for more information.

ProStart is the career-building program for high school students who are interested in culinary arts and foodservice management.

Over two challenging and rewarding years, ProStart students experience classroom study, mentored work experiences, and local and national competitions. ProStart works for students, parents, teachers and the restaurant and foodservice industry. It involves approximately 80,000 student participants in more than 1,650 schools, across 47 states, territories and districts.