Students in Chef Ira Hill’s and Chef April Mazyck’s Culinary Arts program at Burke High School recently enjoyed a very special visit from senior leaders within the Starbucks Coffee organization.

After completing regional meetings with store managers from North and South Carolina, over a dozen professionals generously gave their time and talents building important relationships with high school students studying to prepare for the ever growing hospitality & tourism workforce needs of our region.

Students enjoyed hearing the varied background of each of the professionals, including their educational and career pathways. Then, one by one, the students shared their plans for career and college.

Students then led tours of the new culinary arts space at Burke HS, and the visiting professionals were amazed at the resources available for instruction.

To wrap up the visit, students were paired with Starbucks professionals for mock interviews and one on one discussion.

The relationship was sparked after a fortuitous meeting between Mr. Daron Calhoun from College of Charleston’s Race and Social Justice Initiative at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture and Robert Fleming, District Manager with Starbucks Coffee Company.

Thanks to all that made this experience possible for Burke High School students.