Anyone can write convincing self-promotional claims and post them on a website. We don’t do that. Chef Bates built Wekiva Culinary from a single outdated Home Ec kitchen into a nationally recognized Culinary Arts program over the course of a decade — and the proof isn’t in what he says, it’s in what’s been aired, published, and awarded. Below: the television features, press coverage, championship announcements, and national recognition documenting his work.

On TV

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Fox35 · Apr 2020 Teaching Online During the COVID-19 Shutdown Sydney Cameron interviews Chef Bates on turning his own kitchen into a home studio to keep teaching through the COVID-19 shutdown. Watch on YouTube →
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Fox35 · Oct 2021 Launching the Magnet Program Post-COVID Randy Hildreth interviews Chef Bates on the challenges of relaunching the Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts right after the COVID shutdown. Watch on YouTube →
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OCPS Media Services · 2022 The Great Cookie Box Gift Sale Chef Bates and 50 students bake, package, and deliver over 10,000 gourmet holiday cookies for the annual Great Cookie Box Gift Sale. Watch on YouTube →
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Spectrum News · Mar 2023 First Central Florida School to Reach Two National Finals Celeste Springer interviews Chef Bates on becoming the first Central Florida school to reach two national finals: the NASA HUNCH Culinary Challenge and the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C. Watch on YouTube →
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FRLA · Mar 2023 ProStart Teacher of the Year — Acceptance Speech Chef Bates delivers his acceptance speech after being named Florida’s ProStart Teacher of the Year by the FRLA. Watch on YouTube →
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OCPS · Dec 2023 Mayor’s Banquet — Mustang Events Chef Bates and his students cater the City of Apopka’s annual Mayor’s Banquet through their student-run company, Mustang Events. Watch on YouTube →
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City of Orlando / Mayor Demings · Apr 2024 NASA HUNCH Team Congratulations Mayor Demings personally congratulates Chef Bates and his NASA HUNCH team on their national 2022 achievement. Watch on YouTube →
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Visit Orlando · Aug 2024 Tourism Connects Students with Industry Leaders Chef Bates explains how Visit Orlando’s Tourism Connects program links his students directly with Central Florida’s hospitality industry leaders. Watch on YouTube →
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WKMG Channel 6 · Apr 2025 Returning to Nationals, and a First EcoLab Win Julie Broughton interviews Chef Bates on Wekiva’s remarkable four national competition placings in a single season. Watch on YouTube →

In Print

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The Apopka Chief, Oct 17, 2017 — Wekiva HS nets a $3,100 STEM grant
The Apopka Chief · Oct 17, 2017Wekiva HS nets a $3,100 STEM grant
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The Apopka Chief, Oct 23, 2018 — An extra special Thanksgiving meal at Wekiva High School
The Apopka Chief · Oct 23, 2018An extra special Thanksgiving meal at Wekiva High School
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The Apopka Chief, Oct 25, 2019 — Wekiva High School's Academy of Culinary Arts goes beyond cooking
The Apopka Chief · Oct 25, 2019Wekiva High School’s Academy of Culinary Arts goes beyond cooking
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Orange Peal, May 2020 — Innovative Methods: Chef Bates brings Culinary Arts instruction home during COVID-19
Orange Peal · May 2020Innovative Methods: Chef Bates brings Culinary Arts instruction home during COVID-19
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The Apopka Chief, Jul 10, 2020 — Wekiva High lands culinary magnet
The Apopka Chief · Jul 10, 2020Wekiva High lands culinary magnet
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The Planter, Jul 1, 2021 — 250 meals prepared by WHS culinary students during camp
The Planter · Jul 1, 2021250 meals prepared by WHS culinary students during camp
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The Apopka Chief, Jul 25, 2021 — Wekiva culinary students prepare meal for first responders
The Apopka Chief · Jul 25, 2021Wekiva culinary students prepare meal for first responders
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Orlando Sentinel, Apr 12, 2022 — Space-Worthy Food: Wekiva High team aims to make some good eats for judges in NASA culinary contest
Orlando Sentinel · Apr 12, 2022Space-Worthy Food: Wekiva High team aims to make some good eats for judges in NASA culinary contest
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Visit Orlando, Aug 24, 2024 — Tourism Connects Students with Industry Leaders
Visit Orlando · Aug 24, 2024Tourism Connects Students with Industry Leaders
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The Apopka Chief, Mar 4, 2026 — Wekiva Culinary hosts inaugural community tasting event
The Apopka Chief · Mar 4, 2026Wekiva Culinary hosts inaugural community tasting event
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The Apopka Chief, May 18, 2026 — Wekiva Culinary program director wins 2026 Technology Award
The Apopka Chief · May 18, 2026Wekiva Culinary program director wins 2026 Technology Award

AWARDS

Teacher of the Year, 2020 – 20221

Presented by OCPS and Wekiva High School

Florida ProStart Teacher of the Year, 2023

Presented by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation

ProStart National Teacher of the Year & ProStart National James Maynard Educator of Excellence/ Classroom Expertise Award, 2023

Presented by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation

National Secondary Teacher of the Year

Presented by the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE) and Sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission

National Award for Innovation and Technology in the Classroom

Presented by the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFE) and sponsored by RATIONAL

RADIO