Ponca City, OK — Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) recently welcomed 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students to its Culinary Academy, where aspiring chefs explored the art of cooking through an engaging, hands-on learning experience.

Led by Culinary Arts Instructor Brenda Pollak, the academy introduced students to essential kitchen techniques while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and safe food preparation practices. Throughout the academy, participants prepared a variety of dishes, including Stambouli, chicken wings, baked goods, Alfredo pasta, grilled pork with sides, and more, giving them the opportunity to build confidence while expanding their culinary skills.

The academy provided students with a supportive environment to discover the excitement of cooking and experience what it's like to work in a professional kitchen. Under Pollak's guidance, students learned the importance of organization, communication, and attention to detailed skills that extend far beyond the kitchen.

Students participating in the morning session (top) included are in the back row (L-R): Jeriah Fouch (Ponca City), Orion Roethlisberger (Ponca City), Anna Pruett (Ponca City), Tinley Locke (Newkirk)

Front row (L-R): Emry Winslow (Ponca City), Lilliana Jarrett (Tonkawa), Lilly Bond (Ponca City), Camryn Daldana (Ponca City), Rose Ware (Ponca City)

Students and adults interested in continuing their culinary education can enroll in Pioneer Technology Center's Culinary Arts program, where they receive comprehensive training that prepares them for careers in restaurants, catering, hospitality, and food service management.

For more information about the Culinary Arts program or other career training opportunities at Pioneer Technology Center, visit www.pioneertech.edu or call 580-762-8336.

Students participating in the afternoon session included: back row (L-R): Freemont Delodge (Tonkawa), Trenton Combrink (Tonkawa), Nellie Medina (Tonkawa), Lainey McCann (Tonkawa), Selah Taylor (Ponca City), Lauren Bailey (Ponca City), Kenna Fitzpatrick (Ponca City)

Front row (L-R): Oliviah Gonzales (Tonkawa), Bennett Turner (Ponca City), Gracelynn McCammon (Ponca City)