The 2026 South Dakota State ProStart Invitational was held March 9–10 in Pierre, bringing together some of the state’s most talented high school culinary students for two days of intense competition, creativity, and professionalism. Sturgis Brown High School proudly sent two teams to compete in the annual ProStart Culinary Competition: a Cake Team and a Culinary Team. Both groups demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication throughout the event.
The Cake Team, comprised of Destiny Ownbey and Destiny Plunkett, impressed judges with their beautifully executed cake. Their attention to detail and artistic presentation reflected months of preparation and practice.
Competing in the Culinary division were Kurtis Capp, Xandria Goodall, and Ashlyn Larson. The trio prepared and presented a series of thoughtfully crafted dishes under the pressure of strict time limits and judging standards. Although Sturgis Brown did not take home top honors in the Cake or Culinary categories, both teams showcased remarkable talent and determination.
While the teams narrowly missed category titles, the Sturgis Culinary Team achieved a historic honor. They were awarded the first-ever Clark Kelley Legacy Award, presented in recognition of outstanding safety and sanitation practices in their workspace. The award was presented by Chef Clark Kelley’s wife, Kris, and his daughter. The Clark Kelley Legacy Award honors a lifetime of dedication to ProStart and the culinary arts. Chef Kelley was known as a Master of Safety and Sanitation who recognized the brilliance in every student and emphasized the importance of every detail in the kitchen.
The recognition highlights not only the team’s culinary skill but also their commitment to professionalism and industry standards—qualities that are essential in any successful kitchen.
Congratulations to the Sturgis Brown Culinary Team: Kurtis Capp, Xandria Goodall, and Ashlyn Larson, on earning this distinguished honor and representing their school with excellence at the 2026 South Dakota State ProStart Invitational.