HERMANN — Hermann High School recognized seniors Grace Engemann and Alaina Heaney as the first two students from the culinary program to earn the ProStart Certificate of Achievement from the National Restaurant Association. This is the second year of the school’s culinary program.

ProStart is a two-year high school program that teaches students practical back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house skills in food service. To earn the Certificate of Achievement, students must pass the exams at end of both years and have 400 hours of work experience with a mentor. They are evaluated on skills such as time management, teamwork, leadership and career readiness.

Lana Koelling, the instructor of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America at Hermann High School, believes that Engemann and Heaney met those requirements and represented the school well.

“I am incredibly proud of the time and effort they invested to earn this achievement,” Koelling said in an email. “I know the skills and experiences they gained through ProStart will benefit them as they pursue their future career goals.”

Engemann plans to study baking and pastry and business at St. Louis Community College, and she hopes to own a bake shop one day.

Heaney will study at the University of Missouri and is considering a career as a pathologist or a kindergarten teacher. She believes that this certification will help her gain work experience in the hospitality field in college.