ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville High School has been cooking up a new space for culinary students with a renovation reflecting professional kitchen standards.

The project is now in its “final stretch,” according to Jeremy Gibbs, chief operating officer for Asheville City Schools.

“As physical work wraps up in the coming weeks, our team is partnering closely with local inspectors to resolve the remaining technical items required for our temporary certificate of occupancy,” Gibbs said.

The renovation is intended to grant students seeking a career in the culinary arts experience in a professional kitchen.

“This renovation will provide students with an enhanced, more functional learning environment that more closely reflects a professional culinary workplace. The improved space will allow students to strengthen their technical skills, collaborate more effectively, practice industry-standard procedures and gain the hands-on experience that employers expect,” said Ivry S. Cheeks, ACS career and technical education director.

“Ultimately, this investment is an investment in our students—giving them the tools, environment and experiences they need to connect what they learn in the classroom to real opportunities beyond high school.”

Cheeks explained that the investment into the high school kitchen reflected the high-earning career potential of students with culinary training.

“The Culinary Arts pathway is one of our highest-earning pathways for industry-recognized credentials, giving students the opportunity to graduate with skills and credentials that can lead directly to employment or further education in the hospitality and culinary industries,” Cheeks said. “It is also one of Asheville City Schools’ Six CTE Signature Pathways within the Hospitality and Tourism career cluster.”

Sara Monson, the culinary teacher at AHS, received high praise from her program director.

“Chef Sara Monson is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond to provide students with authentic, real-world experiences that reflect industry standards and expectations,” Cheeks said. “Her commitment to preparing students for success is evident in the quality of experiences and opportunities she provides.”

For more about CTE classes at Asheville High School, visit ahs.ashevillecityschools.net/academics/course-catalog/acs-career-technical-clusters.