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HARTFORD – State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) Tuesday participated as a judge at the annual 19th Connecticut ProStart Invitational competition for high school students sponsored by the charitable arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. 

The winners of the annual ProStart scholarship competition this year were students from Enfield High School. The team will now be headed to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore and will be representing Connecticut on a national stage.

 ProStart is a two-year culinary and management program for high school students. ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents to open doors for fulfilling careers in the culinary industry. The curriculum includes all facets of the industry and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

ProStart students spend two years in the classroom mastering the fundamental management and culinary skills needed for success. ProStart trains students on industry-specific skills that can be used in all aspects of the restaurant and food service industry. Students also leave the program with employability skills – like leadership, accountability, teamwork and responsibility – that they can take with them to positions in all industries.  ProStart also awards scholarships to some finalist in the Connecticut state competition. 

Rutigliano was tasked with judging and tasting the food prepared by the ProStart teams.

“Congratulations to Enfield High School for placing 1st in Culinary and Management today. This competition proves that whether you’re a student are looking to enter the job market directly after graduating, or if they plan to attend college, a ProStart student makes a solid candidate for success,” said Rep. Rutigliano, who has been President of the CT ProStart program for the last ten years.  “I applaud all the hard work and dedication that these students have put in over the past year, I witnessed some amazing teamwork, organization and great food today. I am proud of my industry and see a bright future for hospitality in Connecticut.”