State Dinner Photos

On February 19, 2026, our Culinary Arts program proudly hosted its first-ever State Dinner,  a formal, student-run dining experience modeled after the precision and hospitality of official White House events.

The concept was brought to our program by Deesha Dyer, who previously served as White House Social Secretary and oversaw state dinners and large-scale national events. She partnered with Chef Tina Arnt and Chef Tim McGinnis to guide students through the planning and execution of the evening, sharing insight into the level of detail, organization, and professionalism required at the highest levels of hospitality. We are sincerely grateful to Ms. Dyer for her generosity, mentorship, and commitment to creating this extraordinary opportunity for our students.

Students were involved in every aspect of the event,  from menu development and culinary preparation to front-of-house service and guest experience. On the night of the dinner, they assumed full operational responsibility, executing multiple courses with professionalism, composure, and teamwork.

The result was more than a meal. It was a transformative, real-world learning experience that challenged students to rise to an elevated standard and demonstrate industry-ready skills. We are deeply proud of the focus, leadership, and pride our students displayed throughout this inaugural event.

You can double-click on the photo below to make it full screen.