GRAVETTE — The Gravette High School Culinary Arts Department was named one of the “Hot 100” Secondary School Culinary Programs in the United States for the 2010-2011 school year.
The announcement was made by the National Center for Hospitality Studies at Sullivan University. Located in Louisville, Ky., the University is recognized as one of the top culinary arts specialists programs in the nation.
Directed by first-year teacher Seanna Sain, the Gravette program is in its fourth year, having been started by Marge Macedo, who retired two years ago.
Sain, a native of northeastern Arkansas, is bringing a new enthusiasm to the program which was recognized when a representative from Sullivan University visited the school, visited the class and interviewed and visited with the instructor and many of her more than 75 students.
In making the announcement, Sullivan said, “Selection of the Hot 100 begins with a roster of all schools (in the nation) deemed to have a strong program in the areas of culinary and/or baking and pastry arts.”
Selecting the honored schools, which include programs from more than 45 states, begins with identifying recent performances in national and regional competitions.
“Gravette’s culinary arts department has a proven history of excellence in curriculum and a significant positive impact on the community as a whole,” the university said.
Sain said that her students are planning a full program during the second semester when competitions are held. Among the planned activities is a dinner which will precede the presentation of a major theater production yet to be announced.
Students participated in a culinary arts expo in Bentonville last Saturday and have provided special refreshments for several school and community events in recent weeks.
News, Pages 1 on 12/08/2010