Congratulations to our talented culinary students for winning the 2026 Iowa ProStart Invitational State Championship in Des Moines!

In a high-stakes, 60-minute competition, Prairie’s team demonstrated the skills and teamwork to produce a winning three-course meal. With this victory, our students secured the honor of representing the State of Iowa at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland April 24-26 where they will be competing against 45-50 schools from other states.

“I am incredibly proud of the early success we’re seeing,” said Superintendent Dr. Doug Wheeler. “It is a direct reflection of our commitment to helping students discover their passions.”

While Prairie High School is entering its fourth year of offering a culinary pathway, this year marks the exciting debut of the national ProStart curriculum within the program. ProStart is a national culinary arts program that emphasizes employability skills through the culinary arts and hospitality field.

“The opportunities provided by the ProStart program are truly transformative for our students,” said Frank Bowman, Culinary Arts and ProStart Educator at Prairie High School. “Beyond mastering technical culinary skills, they are developing the teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication habits essential for any career.”

Congratulations to the following students students for winning the 2026 Iowa ProStart Invitational State Championship:

Brooklyn Ladwig
Makayla Curl
Riley Bethers
Carson Leaven
Gavin Scheffert