Culinary Drive
Northwestern High School senior Alohnna Alvarado has found her niche thanks to the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at the Kokomo Area Career Center. A member of the culinary competition team, she and her cohorts recently earned a gold at Indiana ProStart, sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. Their entry won best appetizer in the state.
“The Culinary Program is two classes in the middle of the day: fourth and fifth periods. It’s a lot of hands-on cooking! When a class from an elementary school comes over, we serve them the food we have made,” Alvarado says.
When Alvarado faced a difficult living situation, she didn’t let it deter her from attending the classes she loves. She, her mother and younger sister were displaced from the house they were living in due to some legal issues involving their landlord. They were forced to find another place to live.
“When we were without a house, it went on for a while, and it was a hard time. It was a lot of change, but people from church were supportive. Somehow the school found out, and my guidance counselor, Melainie Hardin, told me she was proud of me for staying in school and keeping up my grades,” Alvarado says.
Alvarado cites two other adults who have been mentors. One is her culinary arts instructor, Kaly Griggs, and the other is her mother. Both Alvarado and her mother work as servers at Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Alvarado’s knowledge of the food industry has been widened by the experience of working the front of the house.
“I really enjoy it, especially since I’m working with my mom. It depends on the week, but I work anywhere from 12 to 24 hours a week. My mom was able to tell me how to do things, which has helped. My mom has always been my biggest mentor and has significantly pushed me to do better,” Alvarado says.
Besides working at Cracker Barrel, Alvarado also babysits. She worked at a day care last summer. She is active at Pilgrim Holiness Church and helps supervise the church’s youth group bus during outings and activities. She was able to find the time to play softball during her freshman and junior years.
In the future, Alvarado would like to pursue a culinary career. She hopes to someday enroll at Sullivan University. Her goal is to earn a degree through their Culinary Arts and Food Service program.
“It has been kind of rough, but my mom, sister and I have always figured it out. I felt I had to hold it together for them. It’s not the situation; it’s how you choose to react. The world doesn’t end over small stuff. You must do good to get good,” Alvarado says.
