Northwest Wayne News

Two recent graduates of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) secured top prizes at the National SkillsUSA Championship, a premier career tech and skilled trades education competition in the United States.

Charlie Salowich and Madeleine White excelled in the culinary and fine dining restaurant service categories, respectively, during the four-day event held recently in Atlanta. "Charlie and Madeleine pulled out all the stops and put on the show of their lives, and we’re so proud of their achievement," said Diana Woodward, instructor and coach of hospitality and culinary arts. "Charlie and Madeleine work hard every day, they’re creative and passionate about what they do, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow and succeed."

Salowich earned his gold medal by preparing a five-hour, five-course meal consisting of an appetizer, soup, two entrées, and a dessert. He also completed a written assessment and demonstrated knife and butchery skills. His prize included a full knife set, other cooking equipment, and full tuition scholarships to both the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Johnson & Wales University. Additionally, Salowich received a special award from the Atlanta American Culinary Federation for demonstrating high standards of integrity, enthusiasm, and attitude. He competed against more than 40 other students in his category.

White's gold medal was awarded for her exceptional table setting, napkin folding, fine dining service skills; excelling in a written technical assessment on terminology and best practices; as well as preparing a Caesar salad tableside. She won a full tuition scholarship to CIA along with numerous other prizes. White competed against more than 20 other students. Prior to her national-level gold medal win, White was part of P-CCS' 2024 state champion management and restaurant design team.

Both Salowich and White graduated from Canton High School in June after enrolling in the restaurant operation program. Salowich is also recognized as a Career and Technical Education Honor Key recipient as well as being part of the 2023 ProStart national champion high school culinary team at P-CCS.

"Congratulations to Charlie and Madeleine for their fantastic achievement and for shining on a national stage," P-CCS Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt stated. "We are so glad to see students like Charlie and Madeline find their passions at P-CCS and excel in doing what they love."

The SkillsUSA Championship saw participation from over 6,000 students nationwide competing in around 100 different skilled trades categories. Competitors demonstrated real-world skills to judges who are industry experts across some of the most highly skilled trades areas.

PHOTO CAPTION: Charlie Salowich (left) and Madeleine White win gold at the National SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta.

White won in the restaurant fine dining service category.

Salowich won top prize in the culinary category.

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