Madison Braband and Keara Smith, both rising juniors at North Caroline High School, both signed Youth Apprenticeship contracts with Bri Farrell-Rutkowski and John Rutkowski, owners of Craft Bakery & Cafe in Denton, Maryland.
To finalize the apprenticeship agreement, a signing ceremony was held at Craft Bakery & Cafe with Madison and Keara, the owners, and their families. Caroline Superintendent Derek Simmons, Assistant Superintendent Tara Downes, Principal Matt Spiker, Coordinator of Career Readiness Eric Cook were in attendance along with Pamela Clay from MSDE and Kendell Teague from Caroline County Economic Development.
These are the second and third Youth Apprenticeship agreements that Craft Bakery & Cafe has entered into with the school system. Last June, Emma Robinson, rising senior at Colonel Richardson High School, became the first apprentice for Craft Bakery. Because that apprenticeship was successful and Emma has since graduated, everyone was enthusiastic about continuing a partnership. Both students are enrolled in the Caroline Career and Technology Center’s Culinary Program with Chef Larry Ogden.
For rising juniors or seniors who are interested in youth apprenticeship, or for general information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program, visit the CCPS Youth Apprenticeship page. Local businesses interested in participating in a Youth Partnership should contact Eric Cook, cook.eric@ccpsstaff.org.
All event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Flickr page.