Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) culinary arts programs were highlighted during the last week of October through the first-ever MPS Soup-A-Bowl competition. The district has chef-led culinary arts programs in four high schools to help meet high demand in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Students in the programs experience hands-on training in professional-grade kitchen labs that prepare them for culinary school or direct entry into the culinary field.
On October 27, 2022, MPS hosted its first Soup-A-Bowl at Bay View High School. After much slurping, judges set down their spoons and declared a winner by the slim margin of only one point! Congratulations to Bay View High School for earning the honor of best soup and the coveted custom silver ladle trophy made by engineering students at Bay View.
Judges for the event included MPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Posley along with John Reiss, retired chef instructor at MATC, and Samantha Henneberry of Troubadour Bakery.
Entries in the competition came from the four MPS high schools with culinary arts programs. Each school prepared a cold soup and a hot soup. The entries included:
• Bay View High School: Red Cat Berry Beet Coulis and View House Chicken Ramen
• James Madison Academic Campus: Chilled Peach Soup with Blackberry and Almond and Roasted Beef Pho
• Vincent High School: Chilled Sweet Potato Soup and Creamy Zucchini with Greek Yogurt
• Washington High School: Mango Soup with Shrimp Ceviche and Deconstructed Pumpkin Chowder
MPS culinary arts programs are designed for aspiring chefs and students considering careers in the restaurant industry. The programs are supported by top chefs from across the city who mentor and serve as guest teachers.
The MPS culinary arts program, which uses curriculum from KP Compass, NAF, and ProStart®, was initiated to build broad career-readiness skills needed for post-high school success and to connect students to the restaurant and hospitality industry. The program, initiated by the National Restaurant Association, is a great way for students to prepare for work in the industry and is valuable for teaching leadership and other skills transferable to postsecondary choices.
MPS began its culinary arts program in 2016 with approximately 325 students. For more information about culinary arts in Milwaukee Public Schools, visit our culinary arts page.
Families of 8th-grade students are reminded that high school enrollment closes on Sunday, October 30, 2022. Be sure to enroll your student for Fall 2023 on the MPS High School Enrollment page.