Two years ago, Estrella Reyna (left) and Natalie Faught (right) were students at Westland High School and Grove City High School, respectively, trying to decide whether they wanted to attend any one of the 17 programs available at the South-Western Career Academy. Now, they are rising chefs in the culinary arts program who encourage others to join. For instance, sophomores at the local high schools recently attended the academy as part of a career exploration day on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. Not only did they receive hands-on experience in their possible future fields, but they also got to speak with current juniors and seniors like Faught and Reyna and ask them personal questions about the program. Reyna remarked after she and Faught plated this “Hawaiian Cowboy” burger creation in front of the crowd of sophomores from Franklin Heights that she believes she has found her passion. “I didn’t get into my first choice of cosmetology but I have really found something I love to do and am so passionate about,” she said.
