Academy ISD’s Culinary Arts Program Adds Café

It’s more than service with a smile at Academy ISD High School’s Beestro, a new café that offers an inviting space for students and some community events. Named after the district’s mascot, the Bumblebees, the café is part of the school’s culinary arts initiative, a popular career and technology education program.

Academy ISD, a district of about 1,800 between Waco and Austin, tapped into regional expertise to shape the robust CTE program, which provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in culinary arts and hospitality.

In districts across Texas, school leaders are working hard to offer interesting and innovative CTE programs that ignite student passions and help prepare them to successfully enter a range of important industries in their communities and beyond.

Academy ISD’s culinary arts program, one of several CTE courses offered, not only trains students; it involves the community in creative ways. Catered events, including senior citizen luncheons, are held in the Beestro to give students the chance to demonstrate their culinary talents. And local professionals and industry experts serve on the district’s CTE Advisory Council to ensure that the curriculum for all CTE courses remains relevant.

“The culinary program is a very high-quality program and fun environment that I have been a part of for the last three years,” said Reid White, a senior this year. “Our new commercial kitchen is an amazing add to our program and has benefited us in so many ways this past year. The Beestro has done just as much. It provides us with a room to serve people when we put on events such as senior citizen luncheon, superintendent luncheon, and school board dinners.”

“I strongly believe our culinary program is unlike any other,” White added. “I have been lucky enough to be a part of this amazing program for the past three years. It has helped me learn overall communication because that is vital in the kitchen. It has also helped me learn to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone.”

Texas Lone Star talked to Academy ISD Superintendent Darla Nolen about the inspiring culinary arts program and the importance of CTE education. Her comments have been lightly edited.

Q&A

Question: Tell us about Academy ISD’s CTE culinary arts program, which includes the high school’s Beestro café operation. What are the different components? How long did it take to design and implement this CTE program?

The four-year program includes the following courses: Introduction to Culinary, Culinary Arts, Advanced Culinary Arts, and Practicum. The key components of our culinary program are classroom instruction for our introductory classes, then students move into more hands-on kitchen experience and front-of-house training. Students receive industry-based certifications, such as the Servsafe Manager and Food Handlers. Students also gain knowledge of the different career paths within the culinary and hospitality industries.

As with all of our CTE programs, the goal is for our students to be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge needed for career readiness. With what they accomplish in the culinary program in high school and the certifications they receive, students can gain immediate entry into culinary and hospitality professions upon graduation.

Academy ISD’s culinary program at the Beestro also works to develop essential power skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, professionalism, and customer service.

Overseeing the Beestro and culinary classes are three dynamic instructors. Elise Jacko, a former restaurant owner, Chuck Mann, who owns a food truck and has catering experience, and Anyely Sierra Rivera, an instructional assistant who is a product of the culinary arts program at Academy ISD, and a recent culinary graduate from Texas State Technical College.

Question: How has the culinary arts program grown and improved?

Approximately one out of every five Academy High School students participate in this pathway, making it a popular choice for learners even before we had the Beestro and an amazing new kitchen. A bond passed in 2021 by the community allowed Academy ISD to build a new high school, and with it came a revamped and improved culinary space. This program has always dished out incredible food, even in their original space, which had a single stove and small prep area. We moved from the cramped quarters to a spacious six-station setup for students, an instructor demonstration area complete with video, and ample space for an entire class to move about safely and efficiently. The kitchen, also equipped with a smoker, pizza oven, and industrial walk-in refrigerator and freezer, connects directly to the culinary classroom, making it convenient for students to apply what they have learned.

As Mann, one of the program’s instructors, said, “It’s hard to believe what was accomplished in our previous kitchen. We have the fortunate opportunity to elevate all aspects of our culinary program because of the beautiful space we have now."

Question: What role does the Beestro operation play in the CTE program?

The kitchen also connects to the Beestro, a café centrally located in the school. Within the Beestro is a coffee lover’s dream setup, where specialty drinks are made for staff and guests. Students even enjoy the flexible seating space just outside the Beestro’s doors, which gives it all the café vibes.

Instructor Jacko noted that eventually, high school students may have the opportunity to order a latte. “However, in our first year of opening the Beestro, we wanted the focus to be on learning the new equipment and keeping the same quality standards we are used to. We have big ideas on what is to come, from having more student-focused events, to a curbside lunch delivery for our staff,” Jacko said.

Our state-of-the art culinary kitchen and Beestro provide real-time, (evolving) practical hands-on experiences for students to gain skills using modern equipment, preparing them for real-world culinary environments. Exposure to professional-grade tools helps students adapt quickly to industry expectations after graduation. Our advanced technology creates an engaging, efficient learning atmosphere, improving comprehension and retention.

Our kitchen and Beestro incorporate the latest safety features, reducing the risk of accidents while teaching proper safety protocols. The access to diverse equipment fosters experimentation, encouraging students to explore new cooking techniques and recipes.

Students build confidence and competence, better positioning them for culinary schools, internships, or immediate job opportunities. Overall, a state-of-the-art kitchen bridges the gap between education and professional culinary careers, enhancing both skill development and student motivation.

Question: How has the Academy ISD community gotten involved in the CTE culinary arts program and the Beestro? What is the community’s reaction to the program?

Our community is involved in the culinary program in several ways. The CTE Advisory Council for Academy ISD invites local professionals and industry experts to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and meets workforce needs. Catered events for the school district, outside entities, and the community showcase our students’ talents and provide them with real-world experience in preparation and presentation.

Some favorite events are the senior citizen luncheons where community members (we don’t check IDs) enjoy a meal that is prepared by our students in the culinary kitchens and served to our guests. It is a full circle event where students set the tables with linens and utensils, prepare and serve the meal, interact and engage with the guests, and wash the dishes at the end. Community members, grandparents, staff members’ parents, city officials, religious leaders, all are welcome. It provides in-the-moment learning opportunities that are beyond knife cut tutorials and recipes. Events such as this allow a connection to form between the student and the alumni, neighbor, or grandparent. It is both powerful and priceless to understand how a meal can bring people together.

Question: What role do CTE programs play in providing Texas public ed students with a great education?

Several graduates of Academy ISD use their knowledge and skill from the Beestro program to obtain part-time jobs during college, or to pursue culinary careers. Everyone has to eat, so to equip our students with strong culinary acumen is something that they can always use, even if they do not pursue this particular career path. CTE courses provide students with the opportunity to explore and learn through their interests and talents. These programs produce a skilled workforce that greatly impacts our state’s economic growth. These programs aren’t just helpful and enjoyable ways to fill a student’s schedule. They are essential.