Sioux City, Iowa - Most days, North High School senior Adam Embrock is busy with homework, participating in student council and National Honor Society business, or practicing on the Stars' cross country and soccer team.
However, he feels most at ease inside of a kitchen.
You see, Embrock has already earned a ProStart Certificate of Achievement through the Sioux City Community School District's culinary pathway program.
"That's the great thing about our school's pathway program," he said. "You can really zero in on what interests you the most."
So, what interests Embrock the most?
"I want to someday own and be the chef at the only Michelin Star restaurant in the Midwest," he said. "The East and West Coasts shouldn't be the only places with Michelin Star restaurants."
It's lofty goal but something Embrock's been working toward his entire high school career.
"My dad (Scott Embrock) is a North social studies teacher, so I know the importance of education," Embrock explained. "Still, I wanted to take advantages of everything high school had to offer."
East High School senior Aubrey Koch also has ambitious plans.
A National Honor Society member, a member of the school's environmental club and a wiz at Quiz Bowl, Koch admitted she has trouble keeping track of all of her extracurriculars.
"My dad (B.J. Koch) is East's activities director," she said with a smile. "I blame him and credit for getting me involved in everything."
That included East's speech and drama department.
"When I was a freshman, I was terrified to speak in front of people," Koch said. "Now, I love talking to groups."
She will need to have a gift for gab since she wants to study anthropology in college.
"My plan is work as a curator for a big metropolitan museum," Koch explained. "I enjoy communications, history, science and figuring out why things are the way they are. So somehow, anthropology ticked off all of the boxes."
Koch's advice to high school freshmen is to get involved in everything.
"Kids tend to become comfortable in the same small circles," she said. "Challenge yourself. Broaden your horizons."
"Now, some of my best friends are my speech friends or friends I've made through other activities," Koch continued. "If I hadn't been so involved, I wouldn't have those friendships."
Embrock agreed that staying involved is key.
"I didn't start high school with the idea of becoming a chef," he said. "Through high school, I discovered I had a passion for cooking."
Since Embrock wants to become a Michelin Star chef, what would be his desired cuisine?
"There is nothing better than classic Midwestern cuisine with fresh ingredients and creative recipes," he said. "I think traditional Midwestern meals will be making a comeback."
See the article in the Sioux City Journal.