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Port Huron, MI – The academic year has kicked off with a sizzle of excitement for Madaline Gucciardi, a budding culinary artist, as she embarks on her journey at the Culinary Institute of Michigan-Port Huron (CIM). Her anticipation is not solely fueled by starting her collegiate career, but also by her unforgettable summer experience at the CIM-sponsored ProStart camp.
With the first few weeks of her Culinary Arts program now under her belt, Madaline reflects on how the ProStart camp added an extra layer of excitement to her college career. A graduate of Almont High School in Almont, Michigan (Lapeer County), she had the privilege of participating in the ProStart camp, hosted by the CIM.
The ProStart camp offers high school students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on labs and learn from experienced CIM instructors. During this week-long program, students stay in a nearby hotel and follow a carefully curated schedule of classes that immerse them in the intricacies of various culinary skills.
ProStart® is a career and technical education program that unites the foodservice industry and the classroom to teach high school students culinary skills and restaurant management principles, as well as employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism and time management. (chooserestaurants.org)
“At first, cooking was just a hobby for me, and I didn’t take it too seriously,” Madaline said. “But then I realized that I could turn my passion into a successful culinary career.”
Madaline’s dedication to her craft has already borne fruit through participation in various competitions. She has earned medals in Baking and Pastry Skills, and these competitions have opened doors to scholarships that are propelling her closer to her dreams.
Among her achievements, Madaline stood out in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition, securing both silver and gold medals. She also excelled in the SkillsUSA competition, clinching a silver medal at the regional level, another silver at the state level, and placed 7th nationally in Baking and Pastry Arts during the 2023 competition.
This year’s ProStart camp at CIM brought together more than a dozen schools from across the state, hosting a total of 33 aspiring culinary artists. The camp not only introduced them to the industry but also showcased the thrilling, behind-the-scenes world of culinary arts.
Madaline’s personal highlight from the program was the creation of a spectacular buffet at the camp’s conclusion, a masterpiece showcasing the skills she and her fellow campers acquired throughout the week. The camp experience also included mastering the art of crafting fondant cakes, sugar art, sugar sculptures, and a friendly competition to determine which student’s recipes would earn a coveted spot in that showcase. She mentioned the joy she felt when sharing with her parents the contributions she made and the complexity of the processes involved in preparing and executing the dishes.
As Madaline embarks on her culinary journey at CIM, her passion and the skills honed at the ProStart camp will undoubtedly continue to set her on a path to culinary excellence. Her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of passion, dedication, and transformative experiences in shaping the future of aspiring chefs.
This program is one of the many ways Baker College builds a bridge between high school and the collegiate experience. It’s real life career preparation for these students provides knowledge and skills giving them a head start on their collegiate journey and prepares the next generation of skilled culinary artists.