student and teacher posing with award

Nick Dasher, a Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management senior from Strongsville High School, brought home a silver medal from the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) national culinary competition in Denver, Colorado. This year, hundreds of students from across the U.S. competed at nationals. FCCLA sponsors competitions at the regional, state, and national levels for students enrolled in family and consumer sciences programs. These competitions give students the opportunity to showcase their career-technical talents and skills in a hands-on setting.

During his culinary arts challenge, Dasher had 60 minutes to prepare a two-course meal featuring a garden salad (which included assorted lettuces, vegetables, feta cheese and a red wine vinaigrette) and a tarragon mustard chicken with classic rice pilaf entree.

While in Denver, he and Chef “O” made the most of their experience. They networked with colleagues from around the country and visited with a former Polaris student, Chef James Gnizak, who is part owner of KoKo Ni restaurant.

Nick has a bright future. He plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York this fall and major in culinary arts.

Congratulations, Nick, and good luck!