Richmond Hill High\u2019s new addition will prepare students for hospitality careers<\/p>\n
By Kristen Guglielmo<\/mark><\/p>\n As part of the city\u2019s ongoing effort to enhance educational opportunities, Richmond Hill High School is set to get a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s construction.<\/p>\n The funding includes $3.5 million allotted by Adams and Schulman, and $1.5 by Richards, according to a press release from Schulman\u2019s office.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d Schulman said in a statement. \u201cRichmond Hill High School, one of several \u2018innovation\u2019 high schools in Queens, is located in my district, and is very deserving of the investment made today.\u201d<\/p>\n Adams in a statement said, \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs 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,\u201d Richards said in his statement. \u201cThis kitchen will help expose generations of young people to countless career possibilities in our city\u2019s iconic food service industry, and I cannot wait to sample the meals they learn to make in the years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Van Ess praised the investment from the three officials and said, \u201cWe are thrilled to have elected officials who consistently invest in our schools!\u201d<\/p>\n Algredo said the classroom was at the top of the board\u2019s capital requests and added, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n