Lancaster High School’s award winning culinary program is an industry, ProStart certified and Articulated college credit, two-year program for junior and senior students. The Program is recognized as a Hospitality Program of Distinction and has been listed in the Elite 50 high school programs in the nation for the last six years. The Career and Technical Education program develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. By bringing industry and the classroom together, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. Students who achieve certification earn college credits at area and nationally recognized culinary schools. Students also compete in FCCLA and SkillsUSA. To date students have earned more than $500,000 in Scholarships which has given them the opportunity to attend the top culinary universities in the nation. Students will work with local industry professionals, operate a student run catering company, and compete for scholarships in culinary competitions. Through service projects they will step up to take their place as a vital part of the Lancaster community.
About Chef Bates
Chef Bates has been teaching Culinary Arts for 20 years. She has started programs in Virginia, New Jersey and Ohio. She started the program at Lancaster High School in 2008. She has been named an Ohio ProStart Teacher of Distinction every year. She is a two time recipient of the Ohio ProStart Teacher of Excellence in 2014 and 2020.
She also teaches children's cooking classes in The Mix at Columbus State Community College. She is also on the board of Fairfield County Meals on Wheels.
Chef is passionate about teaching people to cook, she likes to read, travel, ride roller coasters and hike. Being a native of Kentucky explains her “southern accent” and love for American southern cuisine.
Credentials:
BS Home Economics
MaEd Curriculum and Technology
ProStart Certified Culinary Educator
Certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor
Advanced Culinary Training: Sullivan University, New England Culinary, Harvard, Virginia Intermont, Art Institute, Pennsylvania Culinary, and Le Cordon Bleu Minneapolis.
Contact Information
LHS/Stanbery Career Center
345 E. Mulberry Street
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
740 687 7390
d_bates@lcsschools.net
Resources and Program News
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School forms
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