LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- West Shore Career-Tech District Culinary Arts student Reagan Fishbaugh readily admits she’s a bit of a perfectionist.
That trait recently came in handy when the teenager tested her culinary skills during a trip earlier this month to the West Coast, finishing third in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America national competition.
“You learn more doing a competition than you necessarily would in class, because it just goes a little bit more in-depth,” said Reagan, 17, who is entering her senior year as a West Shore Career-Tech Culinary Arts student.
“You look closer at things. I learned new techniques, new cooking methods and stuff like that.”
The competition required Reagan to prepare sautéed chicken with fine herb sauce, garlic green beans and rice pilaf. It was the latter that challenged the young chef.
“It’s hard to cook rice in general, but I definitely wanted to get first place,” she said. “It’s really awesome I placed third out of 150 people.”
Lakewood City Schools and West Shore Career Tech Culinary Arts Instructor Devan Corti added, “I feel lucky to be a part of Reagan’s journey in the culinary industry.
“She has spent countless hours both during and after school practicing and honing her culinary skills that resulted in this moment. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Reagan.”
For finishing third, Reagan received a plaque and various scholarship opportunities, including a $20,000 offer from Sullivan University. She’s currently planning her future.
“I have a couple of options, but right now I’m looking at Sullivan because it’s the biggest scholarship,” she said. “But Culinary Institute would be cool too.”
Considering her impressive performance at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competition, Reagan feels emboldened in her career choice.
“I definitely want a job in the food industry,” she said. “I think I’m picking the right career.”
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