Meet the Next Generation of Food Leaders
Twelve students from seven different schools have joined us for our biggest Food Fellowship class yet, and they’re already making this summer one to remember.
Through hands-on learning in the kitchen, garden, and community, these high school students are building real-world skills, exploring careers in the food system, and growing as future leaders.
Each of them brings a unique story, perspective, and passion to the table. Get to know this year’s incredible cohort of Food Fellows and hear what they’re most excited to learn, create, and share this summer.
Ella
Hello, my name is Ella, and I am a junior at Cathedral High School. I became a Food Fellow this year because I wanted to experience the food industry and decide if it’s something I want to do as a career.I’m really excited to work on the farm because I love gardening. I really care about giving healthy food to people who have little to no access to it in the community.
Alaina
I’m Alaina. I graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in May of 2025. I wanted to be a Food Fellow because I wanted to further my knowledge of the food industry and gain work experience. During my internship, I’m excited to make new friends and gain future opportunities. I care about food safety and quality when it comes to food.
Charlie
My name is Charlie. I am in 11th grade, and I go to Purdue Polytechnic North. I wanted to be a Food Fellow this summer because I enjoy food and agriculture and wanted to see if it’s something I want to pursue as a career. I am excited to learn about urban farming and how to successfully garden and make food. When it comes to food and my community, I care about the health of people and how food and agriculture can impact people's daily lives in beneficial ways.
Ian
My name is Ian, and I am a junior at Hamilton Southeastern. I joined the Food Fellowship because I believed it was a good way to give back to the community while also learning life lessons that can benefit me in the future. I’m excited to continue learning more about the chickens and how to take care of them properly. I believe that providing nutritious food could unlock so much potential for communities everywhere.
Reese
My name is Reese. I’m going to be in 11th grade at Park Tudor next year. I wanted to be a Food Fellow this summer because I wanted to learn some new cooking skills. I’m excited to work on the farm and grow our own vegetables. When it comes to food, I care that it’s safe and good to eat for the community.
Cindy
Hi, my name is Cindy Castillo. I’m a senior at Purdue Polytechnic High School in Broad Ripple. I joined the Food Fellowship to get better at cooking and learn more about marketing. I’m excited to improve my skills, try new recipes, and learn about foods from different cultures. I care about food because it should be safe to eat, and no one should get sick or go hungry from bad food.
Janette
Hi, my name is Janette, and I graduated from Arsenal Technical High School last year. I’m interested in pursuing a career in both law enforcement and culinary arts. I joined the Food Fellowship this summer to gain more experience and knowledge in agriculture, the kitchen, and marketing. I’m super excited to learn more about how things are done in the garden, how to properly take care of chickens, and so much more. I care about bringing my community together, and I believe the best way to do that is through food. Everyone can connect when we share meals and talk with one another.
Damaris
Hi, my name is Damaris Crain. I’m from Arsenal Tech, where I spent all four years and just graduated. I’m excited to learn how to make foods I’ve never made before. To me, food and community means people in the neighborhood coming together to grow food and give back to each other.
Lujayne
My name is Lujayne. I am going to be an 11th grader at Park Tudor next year. I wanted to be a Food Fellow this summer because I’m really passionate about baking, and I dream of owning my own bakery or café. When I heard about this fellowship, I wanted to be a part of it to get some hands-on experience in the industry I’m considering pursuing in or after college. I’m most excited to learn the ins and outs of working in a kitchen, as well as how to market myself and my future business. When it comes to food, I care about sharing what I’ve made while also honoring the dishes that connect me to my heritage. I truly believe food brings people together, and I see making, sharing, and enjoying food as a love language.
Linda
Hey hey hey! My name is Linda Morrison. I’ll be a senior at Purdue Polytechnic High School in Broad Ripple for the 2025–26 school year. I decided to join the Food Fellowship because I agree with the Patachou Foundation’s values and would love to work with people who help the community so directly. I hope to learn the ins and outs of the food industry so I can apply that knowledge to achieve one of my biggest dreams: owning my own café!
Akira
My name is Akira. I’ll be in 11th grade next year, and I’m homeschooled. I wanted to be a Food Fellow this summer so I could learn life skills like teamwork and communication, all while doing things I love like farming and cooking, and being around people my age with similar interests. This summer, I’m very excited to learn the farm-to-table process. I want to be there from the moment the food is harvested, to when it’s cooked, to when it’s served. Growing up with eight siblings, food is a big part of my everyday life. I’d love to take everything I learn here and apply it at home. Starting a garden and learning better, safer ways to prepare food is really important to me.
Tyler
Hey, my name is Tyler. I go to George Washington High School, and I’m in 12th grade. I joined the Food Fellowship this summer because it seemed fun, and I wanted to learn more about food and how to connect with others in a work setting. One thing I’m excited to learn is how to start a garden. Something I really care about is how food looks and tastes. I want to make sure everyone enjoys what I cook.