North Central High School culinary team heads to national competition in Baltimore [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. — The next generation of Spokane’s top culinary stars are off to a searing start.

Starting Friday, the North Central High School’s ProStart culinary program will compete against fellow high school cooking aficionados in a national competition in Baltimore.

They’re part of a growing number of culinary arts programs in Spokane, and the significance of the opportunity to represent the Lilac City isn’t lost on the students.

“We’re the first school in Spokane to go to nationals,” Arlen Everman-Jones said at a team practice earlier in April. “It’s just really exciting to showcase local cuisine, and local culture.”

The berth in the nationwide competition was earned after the team’s first-place finish in a statewide contest.

Also traveling with the students are their mentors, professionals from local restaurants including Wild Sage Bistro.

“This business gives back in so many ways, but it’s hard,” Wild Sage Bistro managing partner and …