Hays CISD’s culinary arts class is being expanded to Hays High School (left) this year. The class, which
teaches students about the restaurant industry, is starting its ninth year at Lehman High School (right).[/caption]

When the organizers of some of Hays County's largest events need a caterer, a master chef will not do. That is why they often hire the students from Hays CISD's culinary arts class.

The class, which provides catering services for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life and the Hays CISD Education Foundation's Denim and Diamonds event, began its ninth year at Lehman High School in August. The class is also being offered at Hays High School for the first time.

"We've had the same customers for five, six, seven years who ask us to do their events over and over and over again," culinary arts instructor Ryan Georgi said. "They trust us to do a good job, make tasty food that is at a reasonable price and it all goes to a good cause."

Georgi grew up working in kitchens, and after graduating college and receiving his teacher's certification, he taught English at LHS for two years. When the culinary arts class launched at LHS in 2005, he said he decided to apply for the position.

The class's curriculum includes knife work and cutting techniques, the chemical processes involved with cooking and sanitation.

Georgi said when the semester begins, he starts students out washing dishes. Once they have grasped the importance of sanitation, they can move on to working on some of the class's most popular dishes, such as chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo and deconstructed s'mores shooters.

"You don't see [chefs on television] getting up there at 3 or 4 in the morning to make bread for 50 to 100 people," Georgi said. "You don't see them sweeping and mopping the hoods and degreasing the vents. You don't see any of that stuff, but that's the reality of it. Safety and sanitation are the most important parts of what you do in a kitchen."

Georgi said the most important thing for him to impress upon his students is the importance of basic workforce skills, such as friendliness, the ability to collaborate and hard work.

"I try to get the kids to understand that's important," Georgi said. "You're going to need those inherent skills in order to get people to be able to want to hire you and to trust you and pay you more money."

Georgi said the class has become one of the most popular in the district's Career and Technical Education program. He credited the district's nutrition teacher, Stephanie Hoke, and her predecessor, Betsy Slemmons, for much of the class's success.

Many of the program's alumni have graduated and continued working in the restaurant industry, Georgi said.

Justin Hammond, a class of 2013 graduate, now works at Asti, an Austin restaurant, which he described as "rustic Italian." Hammond, who hopes to open his own restaurant one day, said Georgi taught him the importance of hard work and an appreciation for cooking.

"If you show up every day and show up early and actually do stuff and don't be lazy and arrogant, you'll probably do just fine," Hammond said.

While registered for Georgi's class, Gwyn Wilkerson made an instructional cooking video that ended up winning her a $10,000 scholarship to study at Austin culinary school Escoffier.

She now works at Fino, a Mediterranean restaurant in Austin.

To book the Hays CISD culinary arts students for your next event, contact Ryan Georgi. 512-268-8454

Hays CISD culinary arts alumni

• Justin Hammond: After graduating from Lehman High School in 2013, Hammond studied at Austin culinary school Escoffier. He now works at Austin Italian restaurant Asti. The restaurant's menu features dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and sweet corn risotto. 408 C E. 43rd St., Austin. 512-451-1218. www.astiaustin.com. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.,5 p.m.–close; Sat. 5 p.m.–close.


• Kristen Mendez: After graduating from Lehman High School in 2014, Mendez started her own business baking custom cakes for birthdays, parties and other events. 512-536-0840


• Gwyn Wilkerson: A class of 2013 graduate, Wilkerson works at Austin restaurant Fino, whose menu features a variety of seafood dishes and paellas. Wilkerson is also currently studying at Escoffier. 2905 San Gabriel St., Austin. 512-474-2905. www.finoaustin.com. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 5–10:30 p.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sun.10 a.m.–2 p.m.