PHILADELPHIA – West Catholic High School, a member of the Secondary School System of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia located in the University City section of Philadelphia, has received a $75,000.00 donation from Chef Georges Perrier in support of the school’s culinary arts program.
In 2006, West Catholic High School began the culinary arts program in partnership with the
Restaurant School for students who expressed interest in this field of study. In its 95-year history, West Catholic High School has endeavored to meet the needs of it students on many levels and provides advanced placement courses in American government to an international studies program.
The addition of the culinary arts program is a continuation of the school’s commitment to providing a full-range of educational programming in order to prepare its students for success.
Chef Georges Perrier’s career in Philadelphia dates back to 1967 when he arrived in Philadelphia at the age of 23. He opened Le Bee Fin in 1970 and quickly established the restaurant as one of the country’s leading 5 star restaurants. Perrier is often referred to as the figure that revitalized the Philadelphia restaurant industry.
“I am very proud to be a part of keeping the Culinary Arts program alive at West
Catholic High School,” Chef Perrier said. “I hope one day soon I will have the pleasure of working with many of the graduates from this program at Le Bee-Fin”
Chef Giovanni, a staff member at the school, oversees the selection process and manages the program throughout the school year. The students are awarded certificates in food preparation and cooking upon successful completion of the class, which includes passing both the ServSafe course and the Pennsylvania State exam. As a result, a few graduates have actually gone on to earn degrees as chefs and to achieve successful positions in this field.
“We are excited to have the support of Chef Perrier which will help us to continue the program at West Catholic especially at a time when so many programs are being cut due to funding,” said Father Joseph Marrone, school minister.
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