Community News

Lake Shore Senior Layla Seneca Featured on the Cover of Erie 2 CC BOCES Educational Collaborations Newsletter

The cover story features Layla Seneca, Cattaraugus Territory, a Culinary Arts student who holds bake sales to help pay for college with the goal of opening her own restaurant one day.

Lake Shore Senior Eyes Career in Culinary Field

Any good chef would tell you a delicious meal is usually the result of a good recipe and proper use of ingredients. For Layla Seneca, a dash of personal interest mixed with a cup of Career and Technical Education is beginning to look like a perfect combination.

Layla is a senior enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at the Carrier Education Center. Her baking interest began in middle school and it has risen ever since.

“I’ve always been interested in baking and culinary so when I told my mom about it and I gave her my plan of starting a restaurant and needing a culinary background it was kind of an easy decision. I knew this would be a good opportunity before college,” she said. “I wanted to learn all the basics so I could grow, and I definitely am. My junior year was crazy with the amount we learned and this year is more hands-on work.”

Students in the program have the opportunity to become members of the SkillsUSA and ProStart teams, each of which offer students the chance to expand their skills through competitive and friendly events. During her junior year, Layla was part of the ProStart Management Team and would have traveled to New York City to compete in the SYSRAEF ProStart Invitational if not for New York Pause. However, they did place second n the virtual competition.

Just before the New York Pause, Layla and her fellow ProStart members were able to showcase their skills for the annual Taste of Education at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.

“I like the fact that everyone is here for the same thing, we all want to learn. Chef Jim is really great at teaching us all step-by-step. I like to come in and have fun knowing we’re always doing something new that I can learn about,” she said. “And Chef Jim and Chef Kaletta can tell what you like, so they’ll let you focus on what you want.”

After graduation, Layla plans to enroll in college for business management with plans to one day open a bar and grille-style restaurant in the Buffalo or New York City area. Lessons she’s learning and achievements she’s earning while in high school are preparing her to take on this venture.

“I’ve learned when I started baking I’d give up really easily so I’ve learned that you have to practice to be good at something, even when it comes to something that people think is easy like cooking. You have to practice,” she said. “It also felt good to earn National Technical Honor Society because I was one of the only people in my class to do it. I know I’m a hard worker and I know I deserved it so it was reassuring that I was working hard.”

When she’s not in school, Layla loves to dance and sing and hold bake sales. She is one of 38,442 students across the state developing college -and-career-ready skills in BOCES Career and Technical Education programs.
Ja:goh Layla, in pursuing one of the many talents that you possess. Layla is also an avid BILLS fan. Her and her Mom, Nikki were “caught & posted” on Instagram by Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown. She was also recognized in Lake Shore’s newsletter for learning how to kayak.

Stay focused and continue to fulfill your dreams!