Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) has taken a bold step to enrich its culinary‑arts program by introducing the district’s first student‑run food truck. The vehicle’s design was crafted by Carlos Lozano, a junior at Centennial High School, after winning a district‑wide competition organized by FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America).
Student design competition fuels pride
FCCLA advisors invited high‑school students from across LCPS to submit design concepts that would reflect the district’s colors and incorporate the logos of each high school. Lozano’s entry stood out for its clean lines, bright palette, and the way it honors every school in the district, prompting officials to select his design for production.
“It feels really great that I’m going to be part of something really big for FCCLA. I can’t wait for every high school to use this,” Lozano said. “I tried to keep with the colors for the district and added the logos for all of the high schools, because it’s for everyone.”
Hands‑on learning for culinary students
According to Megan Romig, Centennial’s culinary‑arts and professional‑baking teacher and an FCCLA advisor, the food truck will serve as a real‑world laboratory where students can apply the cooking techniques and business skills they learn in the classroom. “While learning how to cook may be the ‘bread and butter,’ students also gain real‑world skills that can be applied later on in life,” Romig explained.
The mobile kitchen will allow students to practice menu planning, food safety, customer service, and basic entrepreneurship—all under the guidance of experienced teachers and industry mentors. By operating the truck, students will earn valuable work experience that can help them secure future employment or launch their own culinary ventures.
Debut at Grill and Thrill BBQ Contest
The food truck is slated to make its public debut at the third annual Grill and Thrill High School BBQ Contest on October 16. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the LCPS Teaching and Learning Center, 505 S. Main Street, where attendees can sample barbecue and support the participating high‑school teams in a special edition of the “Battle of the Bites.”
Community members are encouraged to attend, enjoy the food, and cheer on the student chefs as they showcase their talents on a moving platform that represents the collaborative spirit of LCPS.
Future plans
LCPS officials anticipate that the food truck will travel to other schools and community events throughout the district, providing ongoing opportunities for students to hone their craft and for families to enjoy locally prepared meals. The initiative aligns with the district’s broader goal of integrating experiential learning into its curriculum and strengthening ties between schools and the surrounding community.
“This project embodies the hands‑on, real‑world education we strive to provide,” Romig added. “It also highlights the dedication of our students, teachers, and volunteers who work together to make something truly special for Las Cruces.”
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
