GK Culinary Students Will “Cook Around the World” at Disney This Spring

Nine Culinary Arts students from Genoa-Kingston High School will embark on a trip to “Cook Around the World” at Walt Disney World this April.

“For many of our participants, this is their first trip to Walt Disney World, first opportunity to really travel, or first time on an airplane,” said Kirsten Yargus, the high school’s Family & Consumer Science’s teacher, who is also attending. Science teacher Jocelyn Schueler will also chaperone.

At Disney World, the students will participate in the “Cook Around the World” program — an international culinary and hospitality experience that encourages critical thinking and culinary skills, creativity, leadership skills, and teamwork. Planned activities include:

• a hands-on culinary improv competition at Epcot, where students will create a menu and then prepare the dishes
• learning from top chefs and culinary instructors, including celebrity chef Anne Burrell, who will serve as both a mentor and a judge for the event
• an international gala dinner and career forum with special guest speakers and representatives from various colleges

The trip was open to GKHS Culinary Arts students who have completed at least two semesters of culinary arts classes at GK, or who have taken culinary classes at Kishwaukee College. During the experience, students will also have the opportunity to meet other students interested in the culinary arts from across the country.

“My hope is this experience opens up new ideas and opportunities for them,” Yargus said. “Disney conjures thoughts of theme parks, movies, and Mickey Mouse, but there is so much more. Students have the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation, energy conservation, agriculture, innovation, and world cultures. If they are truly interested in a career in hospitality and tourism — Disney is one of the best in the business. I also hope they have fun and bring home incredible memories that inspire them.”

While much of the trip will be focused on food—including reserving either a fine dining or themed dining experience—there will still be time for the students to play in the famous Orlando parks. The group plans to visit all four parks, as well as Disney Springs.

The students will hold a Culver’s fundraiser night on February 6th from 5–8 p.m. at the Sycamore Culver’s to help raise money for the trip—support from the community is encouraged!