Lakewood’s West Shore Career-Tech District culinary arts student Reagan Fishbaugh recently placed third in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national competition. (Photo courtesy of Reagan Fishbaugh)
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — West Shore Career-Tech County Culinary Arts student Reagan Fishbaugh readily admits to being a bit of a perfectionist.
That trait came in handy recently when the teenager put her culinary skills to the test during a trip earlier this month to the West Coast, placing third in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national competition.
“You learn more at competitions than you would necessarily learn in class, because it goes a little deeper,” said Reagan, 17, who is entering her senior year as a culinary arts student at West Shore Career-Tech.
“Look closer at things. I learned new techniques, new cooking methods and such.”
The competition required Regan to prepare sauteed chicken with a fine herb sauce, green beans and rice pilaf. It was the latter that challenged the young chef.
“It’s hard to cook rice at all, but I definitely wanted to win first place,” she said. “It’s really great that I came third out of 150 people.”
Lakewood City Schools and West Shore Career Tech culinary arts instructor Devan Corti added, “I feel fortunate to be a part of Reagan’s journey in the culinary industry.
“She spent countless hours during and after school practicing and perfecting her culinary skills that resulted in this moment. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Reagan.”
Lakewood’s West Shore Career-Tech District culinary arts student Reagan Fishbaugh recently placed third in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national competition. (Photo courtesy of Reagan Fishbaugh)
For third place, Reagan received a plaque and various scholarship opportunities, including a $20,000 offer from Sullivan University. He is currently planning his future.
“I have a few options, but right now I’m looking at Sullivan because it’s the biggest scholarship,” she said. “But the Culinary Institute would be cool too.”
Given her impressive showing in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competition, Reagan feels encouraged in her career choice.
“I definitely want a job in the food industry,” she said. “I think I’m choosing the right career.”
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