Douglas High School is eliminating our Culinary Arts Advanced Studies program next year - a decision that will destroy career pathways for passionate students. While the state-mandated consolidation of Years 2 and 3 is beyond the school's control, cutting Advanced Studies is a local choice that betrays students who planned their education around this capstone program. Without it, culinary students lose their only opportunity to master professional skills before graduation - all while the district expands beginner classes at the expense of advanced training.  


Why This Matters:
We're fighting for more than a class - we're fighting for our futures:

1. Broken Promises:
Current juniors enrolled with the expectation of a four-year pathway. Taking away Year 4 destroys trust and robs us of skills promised for culinary school and careers. As Phoenix Strauss, a Year 3 student, says: "This was hard to hear because I know it's part of many of my peers' dreams... That passion sparked here could die if this option is gone."

2. No Path to Mastery:
With Year 3 disappearing next year, Advanced Studies becomes our ONLY chance to: Learn leadership under our incredible teacher Mrs. Crofton
Master menu development and kitchen management
Earn industry certifications
Without this, we enter the workforce unprepared.

3. Real-World Consequences:
I'm Zack Peterlin, a Year 3 culinary student who:
→ Worked as a cook at The Pink House for a year
→ Won 3rd place in Nevada's ProStart Competition
→ Competed nationally in Las Vegas
None of this would've happened without our program. But now: "To truly master my craft, I need Advanced Studies next year. Taking it away robs me of the chance to graduate ready for this industry."

4. Program Erosion:
Sacrificing advanced training to expand beginner classes creates a "culinary dead-end." Strong CTE programs need BOTH entry points AND advanced pathways.  

Our Demand:
We call on Principal Mike Rechs, Superintendent Frankie Alvarado, Board President Davis Burns and all DCSD Administration and Board to:
MAINTAIN THE CULINARY ARTS ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM FOR 2025-2026 AND BEYOND
ensuring: Current juniors complete their full pathway
Next year's seniors (who took consolidated Year 2/3) have access to advanced training
 


Why Sign?
If you believe:


✅ Schools should honor commitments to students


✅ Career-ready skills require advanced training


✅ Passionate teachers like Mrs. Crofton deserve support


✅ Nevada's future chefs need pathways to excellence

Add your name and comment to demand Douglas High preserves opportunity for culinary students!  


Testimonials


Phoenix Strauss, Year 3 Student
"Culinary is the most impactful class I've taken... It provided me with purpose and career dreams. Taking away Advanced Studies kills the passion that could become my future." Zack Peterlin, Year 3 Student
"After working professionally and winning state competitions, I need Advanced Studies to master my craft under Mrs. Crofton. Don't rob us of this final year of growth."