Richmond Hill High’s new addition will prepare students for hospitality careers
By Kristen Guglielmo
As part of the city’s ongoing effort to enhance educational opportunities, Richmond Hill High School is set to get a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom.
On Oct. 2, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced a $5 million capital allocation to fund the classroom’s construction.
The funding includes $3.5 million allotted by Adams and Schulman, and $1.5 by Richards, according to a press release from Schulman’s office.
The classroom will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and tools to help students gain hands-on experience in culinary arts to prepare for careers in the hospitality industry. There is no estimated completion date yet.
Adams, Schulman and Richards presented ceremonial checks at the school last Wednesday, joined by Queens South High School Superintendent Josephine Van Ess, Richmond Hill High School Principal Tarek Alamarie, Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo and NY Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie.
“I am proud to have played a role in delivering critical funding to build a state-of-the-art kitchen and learning center that will provide Richmond Hill High School students with the unparalleled ability to develop real life skills, while building a foundation for future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries,” Schulman said in a statement. “Richmond Hill High School, one of several ‘innovation’ high schools in Queens, is located in my district, and is very deserving of the investment made today.”
Adams in a statement said, “Our scholars can succeed when they have the equitable resources, opportunities and support they need. The Council is proud to have allocated funding for a $5 million, state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom at Richmond Hill High School, where students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about the burgeoning food and hospitality industry. This investment will provide students with new experiences, skills, and the chance to explore new career pathways.”
“As both the Borough President and the father of a fourth grader, I know the importance of ensuring Queens schools offer our children the most well-rounded education possible,” Richards said in his statement. “This kitchen will help expose generations of young people to countless career possibilities in our city’s iconic food service industry, and I cannot wait to sample the meals they learn to make in the years to come.”
Van Ess praised the investment from the three officials and said, “We are thrilled to have elected officials who consistently invest in our schools!”
Algredo said the classroom was at the top of the board’s capital requests and added, “This culinary vision has created a new career pathway at Richmond Hill High and a vision that will set a standard as a pilot program for many high school students.”
Link to story: https://www.qchron.com/editions/south/pols-invest-5m-for-culinary-classroom/article_a721675c-08e0-56cf-86ee-affaec8300e2.html