Red River High School’s ProStart culinary program has received two major grants to support classroom instruction and kitchen operations.

Wanda Lemoine, who leads the program, was awarded the 2025 Rachael Ray Grow Grant for $5,000 and an additional $3,000 grant from the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF).

The Rachael Ray Grow Grant will fund updated instructional materials, certification resources, and new professional uniforms for students in the ProStart program.

The LRAEF grant will be used to purchase and replace kitchen smallwares, upgrade equipment, and improve efficiency and service quality for students.

RRHS Principal Christal Carper praised Lemoine’s efforts in securing the funding and continuing to build a strong, career-ready program for Red River High students.

The awards represent a significant investment in culinary education and workforce preparation in Red River Parish.

This is Lemoine’s third time winning this award.