Peñasco Independent School District unveiled a brand new culinary program Wednesday (April 17) in front of a large crowd of students, faculty, and donors.
The new commercial kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and was built in a former home economics classroom. In the future, district leaders hope to develop a cafe attached to the kitchen so students can gain hands-on experience running a restaurant.
The program has students compete nationally and regionally in the ProStart competition, a culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students nationwide. Taos High School's culinary program will also participate in these events.
Peñasco's program will be led by chef Adonais Nite Marquez, a lifelong cook and Taos County native who first worked at the Taos Inn's Dr. Martin's Restaurant.
“The kids are excited and I'm excited,” Marquez said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Marquez previously taught students in a home economics room, but the classroom was small and poorly equipped.
The district focuses on project-based learning, and the culinary program is built on that philosophy. Peñasco Superintendent Melissa Sandoval hopes the emphasis on project-based learning, including the installation of a kitchen, will retain current students and even bring back former students.
Daniel Pearson contributed to this report.
Editor's note: For the full article, see the April 25 edition of The Taos News.
