Two Culinary Arts students from CPACTC are getting a true taste of the professional kitchen this year through the Cooperative Education Capstone Program. Both students are spending their senior year working at Gettysburg Eddie’s, a well-known local restaurant at 217 Steinwehr Avenue in Gettysburg. The restaurant is named in honor of hometown baseball legend Eddie Plank, a Hall of Fame pitcher who was born in Gettysburg in 1875 and went on to win 326 major-league games.
Student Spotlight: Leslie Trejo-Gomez – A Passion for Culture and Cuisine
Leslie Trejo-Gomez, a senior from Biglerville High School, first became interested in CPACTC’s Culinary Arts Program back in middle school. Cooking has always been a way for her to connect with family and celebrate her cultural roots, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in the culinary field.
Through CPACTC’s Co-Op Capstone Program, Leslie is gaining hands-on experience as a line cook at Gettysburg Eddie’s. Her responsibilities include rotating through various kitchen stations, assisting with morning prep, and helping with dinner service. The busy environment has helped her develop teamwork, time management, and stress-handling skills; all essential for a future in the food industry.
Leslie appreciates the camaraderie among the staff, describing the restaurant’s atmosphere as welcoming and collaborative. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before pursuing postsecondary education in Pastry Arts. She encourages future Co-Op students to stay organized and take full advantage of the opportunity to experience the realities of the culinary world firsthand.
Student Spotlight: Haley Orner – Building Skills and Confidence in the Kitchen
Haley Orner, also a senior at Biglerville High School, chose CPACTC to gain meaningful, real-world experience before entering the workforce. Her love for baking and pastries drew her to the Culinary Arts Program, and the Co-Op Capstone provided a way to expand her hours and experience in a professional setting.
Working alongside the team at Gettysburg Eddie’s, Haley has taken on responsibilities that include food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. She credits the kitchen’s management, particularly the kitchen manager, Jim, for providing support and guidance as she continues to develop her technical skills.
The fast-paced environment has its challenges, especially during busy service periods or when supplies run low, but Haley views these moments as valuable learning experiences that strengthen her problem-solving and adaptability. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in Pastry Arts and encourages future Co-Op students to seek out workplaces that provide opportunities for meaningful engagement and growth.
Preparing for the Future
For both students, CPACTC’s Cooperative Education Capstone Program has been more than just a job. Working at Gettysburg Eddies’s is a bridge between classroom learning and the realities of the culinary industry. Their time at Gettysburg Eddie’s has not only strengthened their technical abilities but also built their confidence and professionalism as they take the next steps toward their future careers.