DeSoto High School Culinary Arts Students Showcase Skills at Regional Education-to-Career Event
DeSoto High School Culinary Arts
students brought their talent, professionalism, and flavor to the table at Education
to Career: Shaping Workforce Development in Dallas, a regional event hosted
by the Texas Education Agency, Educate Texas, and Communities Foundation of
Texas on August 26, 2025.
The event spotlighted the intersection
of education, workforce, and industry in shaping the future of Dallas’ talent
pipeline, featuring panels, networking opportunities, and student showcases
from across the region. Representing DeSoto ISD, Culinary Arts students
prepared and served a homestyle breakfast buffet for business, education, and
civic leaders, offering a professional dining experience that earned high
praise from attendees.
Participating students included:
- Ja’Kaila
Edwards – 12th grade
- Janeth Salas – 11th grade
- Maria Rodriguez – 11th grade
- Jesus Brito – 12th grade
- Ja’Yonna Okray – 12th grade
- Zaine Sykes – 11th grade
- Tayla Hill – 12th grade
- Kyla St. Fort – 11th grade
Guests enjoyed a menu featuring
breakfast potatoes with colorful peppers and onions for vegetarian and vegan
guests, grab-and-go breakfast tacos, assorted muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt
cups, and juices. Students not only prepared the dishes but also greeted
guests, shared details about their offerings, and received direct feedback from
professionals in attendance.
“This experience gave our students a
taste of what it feels like to work in the culinary industry on a professional
level,” said Nikena Madison, DHS Culinary Arts Head Chef and Teacher.
“They rose to the occasion with excellence, and I could not be more proud of
the way they represented DeSoto ISD.”
Attendees praised the quality of the
food, presentation, and student professionalism, with several noting that they
would recommend DeSoto ISD’s Culinary Arts program to other partners—opening
doors for future opportunities.
Melinda Pugh, Director of Career and
Technical Education, emphasized the impact of such opportunities: “When our
students take the skills they’ve built in the classroom and apply them in
real-world settings, they’re not only preparing for upcoming industry-based
certifications, but they’re also building confidence, professionalism, and
connections that will serve them beyond high school.”
Students expressed pride in their
work, noting that the showcase deepened their passion for the culinary field.
“This made me feel like I was really working in the industry. I can’t wait to
do it again,” said one senior. Another student shared, “It was great to see
people enjoy what we created.”
DeSoto ISD’s Culinary Arts program
continues to play a vital role in the district’s commitment to career
readiness, equipping students with the technical and professional skills
necessary to succeed in both higher education and the workforce.
View event photos here.
For more information about DeSoto
ISD’s programs, services and initiatives, please visit www.DeSotoisd.org.