After a seven-year hiatus from the ProStart competition, our Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management team made a triumphant return - capturing the state title in the culinary team event at the 2026 Ohio ProStart Invitational. This prestigious event, presented by the Ohio Restaurant Association, was held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio and brought together top student culinary programs from across the state to compete in a fast-paced, real-world environment.
As state champions in the culinary team competition, the students will now represent both Polaris and the State of Ohio at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, April 23–26, 2026.
During this high-pressure challenge, the Polaris team prepared and presented a three-course gourmet meal to a panel of certified chefs. The students were evaluated on creativity, communication, teamwork, organization, time management, technical skill, safety and sanitation - all within a strict one-hour time limit using only two butane burners. No ovens or electrical appliances were permitted. In addition, teams were required to submit detailed recipes and cost analyses for each course.
The award-winning menu featured:
Tarragon butter-poached lobster appetizer
Seared coffee-spiced Certified Angus Beef strip steak entrée
Dark chocolate Bavarian dessert with marshmallow, raspberry and mango accents
The championship team includes:
Stephen Gillespie, senior, Strongsville High School
Teagan Leske, senior, Strongsville High School
Ricardo Martinez, junior, Berea-Midpark High School
Esther Wilkinson, junior, North Olmsted High School
Logan Zawie, junior, Strongsville High School
In addition to their competition success, the students collectively earned approximately $150,000 in scholarships from the following culinary institutions: Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and West Virginia Northern Community College.
This is an AMAZING accomplishment! We’re proud of these future chefs and wish them the best of luck at nationals!