March 2013 - InMaricopa.com

16m EDUCATION InMaricopa.comMarch 2013Students hunger for knowledgein culinary artsBY CHRISTIA GIBBONSInstead of hearing “Open your books” or“Boot up the computer,” Rex Sherry’s MaricopaHigh School students are asked to pullout their knives.Huh?Sherry heads the school’s award-winningculinary arts program and recently thelesson of the day was on garde manger –how to prepare cold foods — and studentswere creating orange crabs and tomatoroses.“All we are doing today is carving,” heannounced. Students commenced cutting,splicing and creating edible decorations.Sherry came to the program eight yearsago when it was struggling and said it wentfrom eight students his first year to 18 thenext to 130 by his third year. It now averages190 to 200 students. Two years agohe was joined by Greg Mahon, former souschef at House of Tricks in Tempe.March 16 is a big day for the programbecause Jessica Stansberg is headed to thestate Careers Through Culinary Arts Programcompetition where she is guaranteed$1,000 just for making it this far.“We think she can go much higher thanthat,” Sherry said. There is $700,000 inprize money.He said he thinks Jessica will be thestudent who tips the MHS culinary programover the $100,000 mark in scholarshipmoney earned by students in the past fouryears.In January, Jessica won a gold medal inthe annual Arizona chapter of the AmericanCulinary Federal competition for herChicken Ballantine with turned potatoesand butternut squash.Jessica, a senior, is a third-year culinaryResults you can see...Care you can feel.Ahwatukee Skin& Laser providesgeneral and cosmeticdermatology servicesto patients of allages. We are thoughtleaders in skin cancersurveillance andcreating personalizedskin care regimens.Sarah NeumannMMS, PA-CHeather AkersonMS, FNP-CBradley Rasmussen, MD • Duane Whitaker, MDEugene T. Conte,DOVoted Best Medical Specialist – DermatologyChristia GibbonsRex Sherry, head of the MHS culinary arts program, demonstrates garde manger techniques.student and somewhat of a living legendamong fellow students who openly speakof her culinary prowess and turn to her foradvice.One such student is Megan Worth, asenior in her second year in the program.“Jessica’s the one you really should be talkingto.”Megan said she hopes to have a careerin the culinary arts, but knows it can be anexpensive education.She’s already cooking dinner nightlyfor nine people, including two vegetarianmeals, along with meat-based dinners.“I strongly suggest taking the class,” shesaid. “I really want my cousin Jack to takethe program. I won’t always be here andsomeone needs to cook for the family.”Megan said the students in the programoperate with camaraderie.MOST MAJOR INSURANCESMedicare / AHCCCSUninsured? We can help!“Everyone is really cool here,” she said.“We build off each other.”Bri Herrera, who took a silver medal inthe January competition, is perfecting herpuff pastry as she prepares for a SkillsUSACommercial Baking Competition March 25.“I just love baking. Any kind of pastries.I like to see how they turn out,” said Bri,who pictures herself working in a bakery.As she prepares for her owncompetition, Jessica said she is lookingahead to attending the culinary college atJohnson and Wales University.“I realized I’m putting myself over a$100,000 in debt, but it will be worth it.”Jessica said cooking is something she’sgood at, and it makes her happy.“If you want to be in this career you haveto have a passion, because it’s not for themoney.”(520) 568-224544765 W. Hathaway RoadOpen 8 am to 5 pm, Mon thru Fri4425 E. Agave Road, Suite 148Phoenix, Arizona 85044www.ahwatukeeskincare.com480.704.SKIN (7546)FAMILY HEALTH CARE byJean Paul, D.O. & David Sorenson, P.A.C.• Welcoming patients of all ages• Prescription pick-up availablewww.SunLifeFamilyHealth.orgBack to school reminders:· Immunizations· Sports Physicals· Well-visits for Mom & Dad• Immunizations for children & adults• Physicals: sports and employmentSun Life…Excellence in health care!