By NIIOHONTESHA WARRIOR
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Port Isabel Early College High School (PIECHS) Culinary Program cooking team, The Mighty Tarpons, are preparing for their fourth year competing at the H-E-B 11th Annual Paella Competition in San Antonio, on March 24, 2024.
PIECHS hosted renowned San Antonio chef and founder of the annual paella competition, Chef Johnny Hernandez, shared his expertise, insights, tips, and guidance with The Mighty Tarpons for success at the competition. Hernandez traveled from San Antonio invited by the superintendent, Teri Capistran, according to the press release.
The press release also states that the Mighty Tarpons are the sole representatives south of San Antonio, making this visit from Hernandez more important in their preparations as they received first hand direction to take when competing next month.
According to online sources, Chef Hernandez owns five restaurants, one venue, and is the creator of the Cerveza Pacifico Clara 14th Annual Paella Challenge, which is the original competition. The sponsorship from H-E-B for the high school competition began 11 years ago and the Mighty Tarpons began competing four years ago.
During an exclusive interview with one the team captains and second year competitors, Kaymy Urrutia, she said, “Last year was a bit chaotic. Everyone was doing everything and it was very disorganized, and our Paella wasn’t elevated.” She also said, “If everyone has their specific assignments, it will go a lot smoother this year.” Urrutia also said, “I am a junior and one of three captains of our team. The other captains are Naomi Hernandez (a senior), and Delilah Martinez (also a senior).” she concluded by saying, “The captain’s roles are to keep everything clean, in order (everyone doing their jobs, the wind isn’t blowing out our fire (as it’s an outdoor event), and working as a team.” The team excitedly anticipates their upcoming competition.
Recognition was given to their teacher, Celia Galindo, as students said she is the reason they are competing in this event. Urrutia said their teacher is the reason they are able to get out there and meet new people, and be seen by recruiters.
The Director of College and Career Readiness, Dr. Juan J. Mendoza, stated that this culinary program is a stepping stone to future academic opportunities within the food industry for the students. The program was designed to give the youth of PIECHS the insight to whether or not they have a true interest in the culinary field, as it is competitive and challenging. This class helps students either begin their culinary future or decide to go in a different career direction, he said.
Superintendent of PI-ISD, Terri Capistran, said, “We are incredibly honored to have Chef Johnny Hernandez visit our school and inspire our students. His guidance and encouragement will undoubtedly propel our students to new heights as they prepare for the H-E-B Annual Paella Competition.”
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