Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

by Laurel Latham

The Warroad High School Culinary Class has received an invitation to participate in the Cook Around the World Competition at Walt Disney World Resort. The invitation was issued after Warroad High School's culinary students posted photos of the dishes they prepared for the A Taste of Warroad event last May, when students prepared speciality items from egg rolls to French macaroons. The culinary students served over 300 guests during"A Taste of Warroad".

"We have 13 students signed up to take part in the Cook Around the World Competition at Walt Disney World Resort," reports Ashley Stricker, WHS Family and Consumer Science instructor." The culinary competition will only be part of the event. Students will also tour the inner workings of Disney World and observe what takes place in the background in order for Disney World to run smoothly. Students will attend a career gala where they will explore career opportunities in the culinary, hospitality and tourism career field.

"The Family and Consumer Science Class has evolved from the Home Economics Class of the past," explains Miss Ashley. "We now teach cooking for those interested in culinary careers. Learning to bake cupcakes could lead to opening a cupcake business. We teach sewing for those who want to work with clothing and textiles and get a degree in that field."

The Stricker family moved to Warroad in the spring of 2020. Miss Ashley taught English for a year and then a position opened in Family and Consumer Sciences. With seven years experience in the hospitality and tourism industry and 10 years of teaching experience Miss. Ashley designed a program of classes to prepare students for life after high school. "I jumped at the chance to teach Family and Consumer Sciences," said Miss Ashley. "It has been one of the best career choices I have ever made. The world of FCS teachers is positive and up lifting."

Ashley Stricker graduated high school in Rugby, N.D. in 2003 and then attended Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana on a full ride rodeo scholarship.

"Rodeo runs pretty deep in my family," said Miss Ashley. "My uncle, Allan Olson, was just inducted into the Wrangler Rodeo Bullfight Hall of Fame in October in Fort Worth. My mom's family showed horses. I began showing horses at four, barrel racing at ten and breakaway calf roping and goat roping at twelve."

It was during Ashley's years at Dawson C.C. that she was inspired to become a teacher. "Mr Schultz was my Comp110 English teacher at Dawson. He was a rockstar and was 100% my inspiration to become a teacher. Mr. Schultz was so interested in his students, our lives and our future plans. He was a genuinely nice person and amazing teacher."

Ashley continued her education at Minot State University where she earned a BS in English Education. She accepted a teaching job in her hometown of Rugby, N.D. where she taught for 10 years.

During each WHS school day Miss Ashley teaches 174 students in her various FACS classes and 11 different classes during the school year, from Culinary Arts, Child Development, Independent Living to Education and Community Service and Leadership.

The culinary classes available at WHS for grades 9-12 begin with Intro to FACS class, where every student must earn a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate. Students on the baking track earn an additional ServSafe Allergens Certificate, while those on the culinary track can choose to take ServSafe Manager training.

"With the hospitality and tourism industry heavy up here, having the Food Handlers Certification makes students more hireable," explains Miss Ashley. "With the Food Manager Certification students could enter the workforce as a front of house or back of house manager.

Helping students with the exciting next stage of their life is my passion," enthused Miss Ashley. "If I can help guide them to a career they enjoy, that is what I want to do."

The Cook Around the World Competition will take place at Walt Disney Resort in Orlando on April 21-24, 2023.

What is your dream job?

Rilynn Anderson - As of right now, my dream job is to work somewhere in the medical field.

Katherine Schreiner - I have many different interests when it comes to what I want to do for the rest of my life. But if I had to choose one right now it would be to be a CEO of a successful business that has a focus on helping people, especially kids. I am very interested in the field of business and marketing.

Aura Moyer - My dream job after college is opening my own bakery. A fancy bakery that sells the most beautiful treats that you could ever imagine.

Tayanna Cole - My dream is to go to school and play softball and major in business and minor in culinary and hopefully start and own my own business.

Esza Lindquist - I want to be a pediatric nurse but also have the foundation to be a great cook for my family.

Shanx Stricker - My dream career would be to own my own business in construction.

Shana Norindr - I want to become a head chef anywhere or open up my own kitchen and lead others.

Caroline Marvin - After high school, I would love to get a major in business and minor in culinary arts. I am hoping that those two things will help me to open my own bakery and/or cafe someday.

Gage Thompson - My dream job would be to own a restaurant and hopefully have a chain of them around the United States.

Alexis Anthony - My dream job is to become a dentist.

Dylon Gibson - My dream job is to be doing sports reporting or filming and editing for a professional team.

Josial Eastvold - My dream job is to be an architect.