After taking home first place at the Annual Paella Contest back in March 2025, Southside High School’s Culinary Arts students earned an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City over the summer.
Their prize included an exclusive guided tour of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), one of the world’s premier culinary colleges, renowned for its professional training and high standards. The CIA campus features student-run restaurants offering everything from authentic Italian dishes to classic American favorites, all served in a refined, high-end dining atmosphere. This experience gave Southside students a firsthand look at the many flavors and facets of the culinary world.
Beyond the dining tables, the group explored the campus in depth. They toured residence halls, learned about scholarship opportunities, visited state-of-the-art kitchens, and discovered the wide range of academic programs. They also gained insight into student life and the pathways available for aspiring chefs.
The trip was a celebration of their hard work, a taste of future possibilities, and a reminder that with dedication and passion, their culinary dreams are within reach.
