August 19, 2024 – Columbus Downtown High School (CDHS) Culinary Arts students were awarded scholarships from Due Amici, a prominent Columbus local restaurant. The scholarships recognize their academic achievements, culinary skills, and passion for pursuing their dreams. The scholarships mark a significant milestone for these aspiring chefs preparing to embark on the next chapter of their culinary journey.
"I went to [Columbus City Schools], and I'm a big promoter of the school district," said Jeff Mathes, owner of Due Amici. "We're giving back and trying to build a workforce pipeline, too."
The initiative began when Mathes learned about the Culinary Arts Program at CDHS. Inspired by the program’s success and the dedication of its students, Mathes decided to leverage the restaurant's existing fundraising efforts to support the young talents at CDHS. The funds raised were transformed into scholarships, providing students with the financial resources to pursue higher education in culinary arts at the school of their choice.
"I think [this experience] helps them see how real [a culinary career] is," said Daniel Bandman, culinary arts teacher at Columbus Downtown High School. "What they've been working towards, and for, has value and weight. We believe in these kids and want to see them succeed."
The scholarship celebration at Due Amici, was complete with a tasting of some of the restaurant's most popular and savory dishes. Attended by Columbus City Schools (CCS) staff, students, and special guests, including President and CEO of COSI Dr. Frederic Bertley, and former Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. These distinguished guests congratulated the students, recognizing them as the future leaders of the culinary world.
"One thing that's very important for me is to make sure people understand science isn't just something that's in a lab or the ivory towers of academia," said Dr. Bertley. "Think about the amazing chefs and what they do in the kitchen. They're actually chemists, right? They understand how to engineer bioproducts, physics, and temperature; that's all science."
For the students, this opportunity serves as powerful motivation as they prepare to take the next step in their education. Many of the students have chosen to pursue their studies at Columbus State Community College, enrolling in the Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts program at Cameron Mitchell Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that offers 11 teaching kitchens and labs, a full-service restaurant, a bakery, and a culinary theater, providing students with the hands-on experience needed to hone their skills.
"I'm very excited," said Malayah Perry, CDHS 2024 graduate. "I'm grateful for the money that has been given to me so that I can continue my studies in culinary school and fulfill the dreams I've had since I was younger."
The recognition of these graduates from CDHS’s Culinary Arts Program highlights the growing interest from both small local businesses and nationally recognized institutions in the talent emerging from CCS. The support from Due Amici and the presence of prominent community leaders at the celebration reinforces how proud CCS students should be for their remarkable work.
