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Ms. Elena Hodges, CHS culinary instructor and mentor to the high school’s National ProStart Team, is a graduate of the Culinary program at Nunez Community College.
Shared with permission from St. Bernard Parish Public School System
BALTIMORE, MD – The Chalmette High School ProStart Management Team achieved national glory, earning First Place at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) held this past weekend in Baltimore. Its winning restaurant concept, La Strada, a soulful and charming establishment featuring a fusion of Creole and Italian cuisine, wowed judges with its originality, professionalism, attention to detail, and real-world viability.
Chalmette High’s Management Team—Asma Askar, Denim Bell, Norman Morales, Kamryn Simon, and Lily Vu—stood out among top teams from across the country. Their business proposal, marketing plan, and innovative concept for La Strada led them to the ultimate victory after placing 22nd in 2022, 4th in 2023, and 6th in 2024.
“Seeing us win on the national stage was an incredibly proud moment,” said Ms. Elena Hodges, CHS culinary instructor and mentor to the team. “After years of growth and hard work, this feels like the culmination of so much effort. We earned this, and I’m proud to be a ProStart Educator.”
Hodges has taught ProStart at Chalmette High for the last eight years and under her unwavering leadership, both the Culinary and Management Teams have advanced to Nationals in 2022 and 2023. The Management Team returned to Nationals again in 2024 and now, in 2025, reached the pinnacle of success.
Beyond the trophy and well-earned bragging rights, the students were awarded a $7,000 scholarship from Coca-Cola, a Zwilling knife kit, a plant growing kit, custom hoodies, and more, all courtesy of generous national sponsors.
Seniors Norman Morales and Asma Askar reflected on the momentous experience: “We didn’t just win first place—we won an unforgettable experience with the pride that comes with it,” Norman said. “We came to have fun, and winning was just a side effect.”
Asma Askar added, “Joining the ProStart Management team at Chalmette High was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’d give anything to experience it all just one more time.”
Also crucial to the team’s success were mentors Justin Templet and Chef Anastasia Joyner, whose decades of experience and dedication helped prepare the students for the national stage.
“With over 35 years in the food service industry, one of the most rewarding highlights of my career has been working with the Chalmette High School ProStart teams,” said Chef Joyner. “I’m proud to support and contribute to the growth of these exceptional students.”
Though only the Management Team advanced to Nationals this year, other CHS students shined at the state level:
The Culinary Team (Adyson Doty, Grace Gaspard, Lyanna Jackson, Lily Vu, and Sophia Wehrlin) earned 2nd Place in Louisiana.
Melanie Emery represented CHS in the Cake Decorating category, a new competition this year.
The Management Team was also honored with the Judges’ Award for Critical Thinking for their poise and strategic approach.
Additionally, Senior Lyanna Jackson won Gold at the NAACP culinary competition. She will be going to Nationals in South Carolina in July.
Hodges and school leaders were quick to thank Mistica Maples, Jonathan Baynham, and Stan Harris of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) for their continued support of ProStart education across the state. Jonathan Baynham, Vice President and Executive Director of the Foundation, praised Ms. Hodges and her students for their hard work and representation of Louisiana.
"The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation is proud of the Chalmette High School management team placing first at the National ProStart Invitational,” Baynham said. “These students were amazing ambassadors for the hospitality industry of Louisiana. We thank Ms. Hodges and her students for their exemplary dedication and passion for the ProStart program and congratulate them on their success."
Superintendent Doris Voitier shared her pride in the students and their educators. “To see Chalmette High recognized on the national stage is a tremendous honor for our entire school community. No one is more deserving of such high praise than Ms. Hodges and these hardworking, talented students,” Voitier said. “Their achievement is a reflection of the passion, commitment, and excellence we strive for every day.”
ProStart is a nationwide career and technical education program supported by the National Restaurant Association Foundation, designed to prepare high school students for careers in the culinary and restaurant management industries. Competing teams are challenged to develop fully conceptualized restaurant ideas and present them to a panel of industry leaders. For more info visit https://chooserestaurants.org/programs/prostart/
About St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
The St. Bernard Parish Public School District is one of the top-performing districts in the state for both student achievement and teacher effectiveness. With a tradition of academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, and state-of-the-art facilities, our schools prepare all students to excel in college and careers.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.
