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The Rockbridge County School Board nominated two entities, Pure Eats and Mountain Gateway Community College, for the Virginia School Board Association’s business honor roll during its March meeting.
Mountain Gateway Community College was nominated for its overall work with Rockbridge County High School students through dual enrollment courses and educational events, and for offering space for students during the ongoing renovation of the Rockbridge Innovation Center.
“The primary reason I felt like it was important to bring Mountain Gateway to the table this year, and the reason they’re so deserving, I think, is they are helping us out immensely during our renovation,” Rick Bain, human resources supervisor for Rockbridge County Schools, told the Board.
“They are allowing our culinary students to use their culinary facility in Buena Vista, so Mr. [Randy] Walters and his team has been able to come up with a plan to transport our students over to Mountain Gateway each day, and it has made an amazing difference,” he said.
“Overall, our kids ate getting great experience. That’s a testament to Mountain Gateway, allowing us to do that.”
Bain said Mountain Gateway would continue providing space until renovations at the high school are complete.
Bain also praised the other nominee, Pure Eats restaurant. “Kasey Potter, owner of Pure Eats restaurant, is an avid supporter of RCPS work-based learning programs,” Bain said. “She has not only supplied delicious food and treats for numerous work-based learning events, she is also an active participant in any event.”
He also noted the internship opportunities provided to Rockbridge County High School students through the restaurant.
“Pure Eats is also a partner in our internship program. We currently have four interns at Pure Eats, and we had two last year,” said Bain. “While they are employed with her, she assists them in furthering their culinary training by earning certifications, and participating in other professional development opportunities.”
