It was a day filled with excitement for culinary students at Murrell Dobbins Career Technical Education High School in North Philadelphia.  Mayor Jim Kenney paid a visit to the school and participated in the ceremonial event to honor Philadelphia’s three James Beard Award-winning chefs and restaurateurs: Michael Solomonov, Stephen Starr and Greg Vernick.

During the program, the students participated in a panel Q&A to learn more about what motivated these top restaurant professionals to pursue their careers. They also offered the restaurateurs samples of their own cuisine for tasting. Another presented his restaurant/café concept to connect and unite fellow students over food.

The James Beard Foundation held its annual Awards Gala May 1 in Chicago, where Philadelphia took three awards, a record for the city. Michael Solomonov received Outstanding Chef for his restaurant Zahav; Stephen Starr of STARR Restaurants received Outstanding Restaurateur; and Greg Vernick of Vernick Food & Drink received Best Chef – Mid Atlantic. The hospitality and dining industry is a key component of the city’s thriving tourism sector, attracting both visitors and residents alike to exceptional restaurants, cafes, food trucks and eateries throughout the neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

Murrell Dobbins CTE High School was chosen to host the special recognition as one of the city’s first community schools.  The community schools are an initiative funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, where a full-time coordinator works with the entire school community—students, parents, teachers, administrators, service providers, and neighbors—to identify the community’s most pressing needs. Utilizing a rigorous career technical education model, the Dobbins Culinary Arts program also partners with Unite Here! to ensure that students are prepared for jobs after high school and receive support from labor professionals in gaining employment.

Photos from the ceremonial event help to capture the spirit of the occasion.