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Students create and pitch an original restaurant concept, complete with a business proposal, marketing plan, and operations strategy

Chalmette High School’s ProStart Management Team has made Louisiana history, capturing first place at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), held May 2-4 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Competing against the best and brightest ProStart students from across the country, Chalmette High’s ProStart team earned top honors in the Management Competition, demonstrating exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and business acumen in front of a panel of distinguished hospitality industry judges.

Led by ProStart instructor Elena Hodges, team members Asma Askar, Norman Morales, Kamryn Simon, Lily Vu, and Denim Bell wowed the judges with their original restaurant concept, LaStrada — a Creole-Italian fusion restaurant blending the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana with classic Italian flavors. Their comprehensive business proposal, detailed menu design, marketing plan, and real-time problem-solving earned them the national title.

“Seeing Chalmette High School rise to the top is an incredible moment for Louisiana ProStart and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF),” said Stan Harris, President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and LRAEF. “Their achievement speaks to the power of hard work, dedication, and the strength of the ProStart program in preparing students for real-world success in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”

Chalmette’s victory marks a historic milestone for Louisiana, following a steady rise over the past four years — placing 22nd in 2022, 5th in 2023, 6th in 2024, and now earning first place in 2025. It is Louisiana’s first national ProStart title since Rayne High School won the Management Competition in 2010.

In addition to Chalmette’s outstanding achievement, Ascension Parish ProStart also represented Louisiana at Nationals, competing in the Culinary Competition. While they did not advance to the stage for the top 5, their presence on the national stage highlights the continued excellence of Louisiana’s ProStart programs.

The Louisiana teams’ participation in Nationals was made possible through the generous support of the LRAEF’s National Travel Team sponsors, TABASCO® Brand and Zea Restaurants.

"At Zea, travel and shared experiences inspire everything we do — and supporting these talented ProStart students is a natural extension of that spirit, said Greg Reggio, Chef and Owner, Zea Restaurants & Taste Buds Management. “They’re at the start of their culinary journeys, fueled by curiosity, passion, and a drive to connect through food. We're proud to help bring their dreams to life and give them the opportunity to shine on a national stage.”

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. It teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills through hands-on learning, mentorship, and competition. In Louisiana, the LRAEF administers the ProStart program in more than 65 schools statewide, reaching 2,400 students annually.