Chef Gordillo has begun an internship at HPHS starting spring semester, from February through May.
Despite, only being the culinary teacher since 2024, Chef Gordillo has contributed a lot of time and energy into events for the school alongside opening up opportunities for students.
Beginning the 2025-2026 school year, Chef Gordillo planned to open up an internship opportunity, for a minimum of 10 students. The eligibility included: being a HPHS student in grade 11 or 12 and currently enrolled in (or have completed) a capstone or concentrator course in culinary arts.
In order to apply, students had to submit a resume and cover letter along with doing a support network activity and every lesson focused on financial literacy. Upon completion, students received an internship ready certificate and were good to go!
Gordillo started the internship in order to give students the opportunity to gain real world experiences while getting paid.
“It opens an avenue for students to partake in a part time job while using the skills that they have acquired in class.” says Chef Gordillo
Chef Gordillo believes the internship can have a positive impact, motivating students to go above and beyond with the skills they have.
Iyleen Tena, is a senior here at HPHS and a future intern for Chef Gordillo. She is very excited to start because she wanted to “contribute her energy into something meaningful.”
Looking ahead Chef Gordillo has planned a busy schedule for his interns looking to cover events on Teacher Appreciation, A Taste of Chinese New Years, and an on campus cooking competition.
This internship is doing more than teaching students how to cook, it’s preparing them for the future by teaching them skills they can continue to use.
Written by Suhey Aguilar, Staff Writer and Social Media Manager