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Chef, Laura Korff

Welcome to ProStart at GHS!  Gaylord High School offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Culinary arts, auto shop, medical occupations, marketing, and accounting.  ProStart is a culinary program that focuses on working in the restaurant industry, specifically in the kitchen.  We focus on the kitchen environment with opportunities for front of the house training with special events.  Students can take culinary arts for four years if they choose to.  The ProStart program is a two year program that offers certifications in ServSafe (foodhandler, manager) CPR & First Aid.  This program is a stepping stone for students interested in the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on the restaurant industry and cooking.  Students who have taken this program have furthered their education in the industry in many ways: restaurant owner, chef, baker, pastry chef, restaurant manager, food truck owner.  This program offers scholarship opportunities for students who wish to pursue the industry as a career choice.  There are also avenues toward post-secondary education at career tech schools, on the job training, and apprenticeships.

I first became part of this industry in 1986 when I was a teen.  I worked at Garland Resort from 1986-1997 where I followed the natural path of dishwasher, kitchen worker, front of the house hostess, server, bartender, assistant manager and finally manager.  I pursued my degree at EMU where I earned a bachelor degree in education majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education.  The years working in the industry combined with the teacher certification and 4000 hours worked in the industry opened the door for this life altering endeavor.  I have taught health over the years, but now solely teach culinary arts.  

At home I have my husband, Richard, who works in the natural gas industry and four children, as well as an "adopted" son, as well as two golden retrievers.  We enjoy camping, fishing, and traveling.  My husband and I grew up in Lewiston, I graduated from JLHS in 1988, and he graduated from Oscoda in 1986.  

Laura Korff

Welcome to ProStart at GHS!  Gaylord High School offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs: Culinary arts, auto shop, medical occupations, marketing, and accounting.  ProStart is a culinary program that focuses on working in the restaurant industry, specifically in the kitchen.  We focus on the kitchen environment with opportunities for front of the house training with special events.  Students can take culinary arts for four years if they choose to.  The ProStart program is a two year program that offers certifications in ServSafe (foodhandler, manager) CPR & First Aid.  This program is a stepping stone for students interested in the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on the restaurant industry and cooking.  Students who have taken this program have furthered their education in the industry in many ways: restaurant owner, chef, baker, pastry chef, restaurant manager, food truck owner.  This program offers scholarship opportunities for students who wish to pursue the industry as a career choice.  There are also avenues toward post-secondary education at career tech schools, on the job training, and apprenticeships.

I first became part of this industry in 1986 when I was a teen.  I worked at Garland Resort from 1986-1997 where I followed the natural path of dishwasher, kitchen worker, front of the house hostess, server, bartender, assistant manager and finally manager.  I pursued my degree at EMU where I earned a bachelor degree in education majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education.  The years working in the industry combined with the teacher certification and 4000 hours worked in the industry opened the door for this life altering endeavor.  I have taught health over the years, but now solely teach culinary arts.  

At home I have my husband, Richard, who works in the natural gas industry and four children, as well as an "adopted" son, as well as two golden retrievers.  We enjoy camping, fishing, and traveling.  My husband and I grew up in Lewiston, I graduated from JLHS in 1988, and he graduated from Oscoda in 1986.  

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