Belgrade High School and Skyview High School in Billings were named winners in their respective categories at the statewide ProStart hospitality competition hosted by Gallatin College Montana State University on March 19.
The annual event brings together high school students from across Montana to compete in culinary and business management challenges, providing them with hands-on experience relevant to the hospitality industry. The competition is part of ProStart, a two-year program that prepares students for careers through catering events, field trips, and an annual contest.
Belgrade High School secured its fourth consecutive win in the culinary category among seven teams. Students had to prepare a three-course meal within an hour using only two butane burners. Their menu included seared ahi tuna steak, pan-seared flat iron steak with miso mushroom sauce, and a white chocolate dome dessert filled with green tea-flavored Bavarian cream alongside yuzu and lychee jelly. Judges praised their ambitious choices and technical execution. Second place went to Skyview High School, while Helena High School finished third.
“Each student’s skill level, refinement and culinary ability is always fun for me to see, whether they’re experienced or chewing fingernails because they’re nervous,” said chef Mike Dean, director of Gallatin College MSU’s culinary arts program. Abby Johnson from Gallatin College MSU added: “These are seniors who might be here next year in class with us, which is super fun… It’s great they have a passion for something.”
In the business management portion held at Herrick Hall, four teams pitched restaurant concepts addressing financial planning and marketing strategies. The winning team from Skyview High School presented The Hill Bistro and Bakery concept—serving pastries by morning before transitioning into casual fine dining featuring Montana-inspired dishes like huckleberry jam bison burgers.
First-place teams will advance to ProStart’s national invitational April 24-26 in Baltimore where top finishers can earn scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,000. Additionally, about 600 students participated in related Family Career and Community Leaders of America competitions at Montana State University; results will be posted on the national FCCLA website.
Montana State University leads research funding efforts statewide with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to the official website. The university also supports communities through volunteer work as well as outreach projects aimed at improving lives and environments according to the official website. With approximately 17,165 enrolled students split between residents and nonresidents according to the official website, MSU operates as Montana’s land-grant institution focusing on research education—and ranks among the top five percent of global universities per Center for World University Rankings according to the official website.