Lynwood High School culinary arts students are blending, braising, chopping and stirring their way to success thanks to the state-of-the-art culinary arts classroom and lab, which was officially celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Bullis Campus on October. 24.
The ceremony featured performances by the school’s marching band and cheer team, a tour of the $3.1 million Measure K facility and tasty breakfast foods prepared by Lynwood High’s culinary scholars, under the guidance of Chef Olga Munoz.
“Cooking has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Little did I know that when I entered high school, I would have the chance to turn this passion into a career path,” Lynwood High School culinary arts student Angela Torres said. “With my father as a chef at home, I had a great example to follow. But it was Mrs. Munoz who truly ignited my passion with her expertise and dedication. I aspire to be like her and am excited about my future in culinary arts.”
Modeled after the culinary arts kitchen at Long Beach City College, the new Lynwood Unified School District facility will offer students a high-quality learning experience in a professional setting. In addition to being fully accessible for students with disabilities, the lab includes stainless steel equipment and workstations that support a variety of cooking styles and uses, such as deep-frying, baking and large-event catering.
More than 200 students will access the space on an average school day, with the lab also serving students in the California Advancing Pathways for Students (CalAPS) program after school. The District is developing plans to hold afternoon courses for Firebaugh High School students interested in culinary arts.
"We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional facility on our campus, which will empower culinary arts students at Lynwood High School and throughout the District to thrive and explore exciting career pathways," said Principal Ana Gonzalez. "Chef Munoz, a true visionary behind our acclaimed program, inspires us all. We are grateful for her leadership as we embark on this exciting new chapter."
Lynwood High School’s award-winning culinary arts program offers students opportunities to develop career and life skills that promote lifelong health, wellness and learning. Students can also earn a ServSafe Food Handler’s certification through the program, which is required to work in the food service industry.
The District’s long-term goal is to provide dual enrollment opportunities, as well as collaborate with industry chefs for onsite teaching and partners at Long Beach City College and Compton College for students interested in food sciences and nutrition services.
Funded primarily by the Measure K bond, the classroom and lab was also made possible through grants from Los Angeles Regional Consortium’s K12 Strong Workforce Program and the California Department of Education’s California Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program.
“Lynwood Unified is very excited to unveil this new, enhanced space that will support hands-on learning and serve students for generations to come,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crothwaite, Ph.D., said. “The possibilities for this space are boundless, and we look forward to empowering our students to foster a deeper passion for culinary arts and shape their futures."