Columbia's Brook Harlan is one of five chef instructors at the Columbia Area Career Center (CACC). Six of his students have won national championships in culinary over the years, along with three in baking. Mr. Harlan joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Roundtable" to discuss the program. Mr. Harlan and others will be taking 15 students to Atlanta soon to compete for national championships again. Mr. Harlan grew up in Columbia, attending Grant elementary, West Middle School and Rock Bridge high school. Harlan originally wanted to be a professional skateboarder or professional baseball player when growing up, but chose food. He starred on the "Food Network" and was one of eight finalists on a popular show show in 2005. His resume is impressive: he's worked at the old Glenn's in Columbia and at Katy Station, and also spent time at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, considered to be one of the best restaurants in the South. He's a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Mr. Harlan tells listeners the competition in these national championships is intense and says about 80 or so CPS students a year either go into culinary work or to college for further preparation:

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