Eisenhower High School (EHS)’s “Tiger Dining” cafeteria space was filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of a great gathering the morning of Monday, September 15th, as the USD 265 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Council gathered for their fall semester meeting. What made this assembly particularly special wasn't just the early hour, or the dedicated community professionals in attendance, it was the fact that every aspect of the breakfast service was expertly crafted by students from Goddard Public Schools' Prostart culinary team. These young culinary artists demonstrated the real-world application of their classroom learning, showcasing the excellence that defines the district's culinary arts CTE pathway.
The USD 265 CTE Advisory Council, which meets twice yearly, brings together community members, district staff, and industry professionals to review and enhance the CTE offerings throughout Goddard Public Schools. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive relevant, industry-aligned training that prepares them for successful transitions into their chosen career fields. The Council's work is particularly vital in pathways like culinary arts, where hands-on experience and industry connections can make the difference between classroom theory and career readiness.
At the heart of this impressive breakfast service were two exceptional students: Madison Bentley (Goddard High School, or GHS, Senior) and Jack Ratzlaff (EHS Senior), representing the culmination of skills developed through the district's comprehensive culinary arts program. These students didn't simply assist with serving or setup - they took complete ownership of the entire operation. From calculating quantities and purchasing ingredients to meal preparation, cooking execution, and post-service cleanup and storage, Madison and Jack demonstrated the full spectrum of professional culinary management. Their seamless coordination and attention to detail reflected the high standards maintained throughout all of USD 265 CTE pathways.
The culinary arts pathway operates across both campuses, with Kassady Meng leading instruction at EHS alongside Chef Ben George, while Kassie Campidilli heads the program at GHS. This districtwide approach to CTE ensures that ALL students have access to comprehensive programming that will help prepare them for lifelong success following graduation. When asked about her journey to Goddard Public Schools, Meng shared, "It was such a great position that I could not have passed it up. The culture was something that I wanted!"
The unique environment of high school culinary education offers distinct advantages that Meng particularly values. "I love watching the students take their skills and get to elevate them. They are at such a fun age that they are gaining that independence and learning how to navigate friendships, as well as create new recipes based off of their likes and dislikes. They have the autonomy to work on their own and use me as a tool/resource rather than a guide," she explained. This student-centered approach allows young chefs to develop both technical skills and creative confidence, preparing them for whatever culinary path they choose to pursue.
The impact of this educational model extends far beyond individual skill development, creating lasting memories and transformative experiences for both students and instructors. Meng's passion for her role shines through when discussing her favorite aspects of teaching, "They are the future of this industry, so getting them those valuable foundational skills is important. Nothing is able to describe the joy it brings me when they learn a new skill or see something out to the end." Her most treasured memories center on watching Prostart teams compete, observing as nervous students gain confidence and rally around each other to achieve success. As Madison and Jack demonstrated at the CTE Advisory Council meeting, these students don't just learn recipes - they master the learning a professional skill set that will serve them throughout their culinary careers.