Cooking Up a Future

Texas High senior earns admission into one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary schools

Story by Zyon Trotter, News Editor

October 3, 2025

While attending a Culinary Arts class at Texas High School, senior Iyanna Foreman smiles as she pours ingredients into a bowl. Foreman recently received a letter informing her of her admission into the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), one of the nation’s most distinguished culinary organizations.

As food sizzles in the heat of the stove and the students zip and weave around each other, one student stands in the midst with life-changing news in her hands.

Texas High School senior Iyanna Foreman received a letter informing her of her admission into the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), one of the nation’s most distinguished culinary organizations.

“The Culinary Institute of America has only three locations in the U.S.,” Foreman said. “I’m attending the one in San Antonio for a year, and if I feel comfortable, I’ll go to the New York location.”

The CIA, one of the highest ranked institutions in the United States for culinary arts, holds famous chefs such as Anne Burrell, Geoffrey Zakarian and Ilan Hall as distinguished alumni.

“The Culinary Institute of America is [one of] the most prestigious and popular culinary schools,” Foreman said. “The people [who graduate] from that school usually become master chefs or high-ranked chefs.”

Cooking and baking set the foundation for Foreman’s future career. As she grew up, she knew she wanted to pursue culinary arts.

“It’s always been a dream of mine, but it was just a side hobby,” Foreman said. “As I continue to grow my skills with baking and pastry arts, it made me realize that this could really be a career for me.”

Foreman already works intentionally and sets goals for herself far beyond her college education. She aspires to own her own business and looks forward to seeing her dreams come to life.

“My goal is to open a bakery,” Foreman said. “I want it to be on wheels for traveling because I also want to be a professional dancer. I want to build up my credibility so that everywhere I go, I’m selling cookies or cakes. [Even] if [I’m] not, I could be a stay-at-home mom with a bakery on the side.”

Foreman carries her past with her as an inspiration to remain motivated and do things she loves, not only for herself but also for her loved ones.

“My cousin Melany [keeps] me going,” Foreman said. “She was eight when she passed, but she always loved to bake with me. I feel like that is something that helps me keep going because it keeps her alive, and I’m baking the things that she would love.”

About the Contributors

Zyon Trotter, News Editor

Zyon Trotter is a junior who grew to love writing when she was unexpectedly placed into the newspaper class during her sophomore year. She is a long-time member of the Leader-in-Me Lighthouse Team, usually working behind the scenes at events, which perfectly fits her style. Trotter is also over the media for her father’s church, all while balancing her job at a local ice cream shop. Her first top story on Tiger Times Online set the spark for her to continue journalism in the future. With this, she continues to create more stories while helping others as a section editor and a friend.

Leah Crow, Photographer

Leah Crow is a junior at Texas High School and returning for her second year on the publications staff as a visual journalist and also a first year staff member of Yearbook. She has a strong passion for storytelling through photography and has received recognition at both the state and national levels for her work. Leah is also a proud member of the Texas Imagemaker Team, which honors the top student photographers in Texas. Outside of publications, she enjoys spending time with friends, playing softball, listening to music, and learning new things. Leah is excited to continue growing as a photojournalist and capturing the moments that make this year special.