The Mount Pleasant High School Culinary Arts Department was invited to attend the Taste of Longview on April 4th, 2017 in Longview, Texas by a former boss of Culinary Arts Teacher Chef Jamie Hudman.

“He began telling me about the requirements and what to expect,” Hudman said. “The average number of attendees to this event is right around 1500. Yes, 1500! Fortunately, the food items were to be ‘bite-sized’. Since I have great confidence in my students and their abilities, I knew it would be a great learning experience.”

Hudman took the invitation to MPHS Career and Technical Education Director Karl Whitehurst for approval and, according to Hudman, “he was just as excited about this event as I was!”

“I feel very lucky to have a director who sees my program’s potential and allows us to try new things,” she added. “This was a chance to get our name out there and showcase my students’ talents.”

Hudman and her students decided on three different food items to serve: lasagna rollups, Italian pretzel bites, and lemon pound cake with mixed berry compote. After finalizing the menu, they created a timeline to know when to have each item finished.

“My students worked diligently to accomplish each goal that was set for them,” Hudman said.  “We had two other events that week to prepare for as well. I demanded a lot from my students that week but they exceeded my expectations”

Hudman took three students (Jessica Reyes, Suleima Rojas, and Luis Ramirez) and another Family Consumer Science teacher, Theresa Sweeden, with her to the event.

“Once we arrived we set up our area and settled in,” she said. “When the doors finally opened and people started rushing in, it was game time! Our booth was super busy! Mrs. Sweeden and I passed out comment cards and asked the guests to please give us feedback. We received constructive criticism and compliments including the following: ‘Amazing food, server and presentation,’ ‘Food was very good. Great job,’ and ‘Love seeing these kids at the Taste.’

Any food that remained at the end of the night was donated to the ‘Hiway 80 Rescue Mission’, an organization that helps the homeless in the Longview area. Hudman believes that with the MPHS donation alone helped feed at least 100 people.

Hudman added, “There is not a word to describe how proud I am of each and every one of my students! I am so fortunate to work for an amazing school district and to teach such wonderful students. I have always had a passion for food but I feel truly blessed to have found my joy in life. The joy of teaching.”

Pictured:  The MPHS Culinary Arts Team: Luis Ramirez, Jessica Reyes, Chef Jamie Hudman, Suleima Rojas