Mr. Matonti, the new Culinary Arts teacher at Emerson Jr.-Sr. High School, has more of a life-changing backstory than some may imagine. He has recently started in September 2025, not only being new, but also introducing this course to our High School as a new start.
When he was younger, he decided that he wanted to become a cook. He was eager to work and tried to seize every opportunity he could possibly get. One day, he went up to the back of a restaurant, knocked on the door, and said, “I want to work for you”. The owner of the restaurant replied, “Hmm, come back in two weeks”. So he decided to come back in two weeks.
He then returned and started mopping floors for him, and eventually started working in the kitchen. This continued for many years, and he loved working in the kitchen. The owner of the restaurant became his mentor, the person he looked up to and learned from. Unfortunately, the owner passed away a few years ago. This was a major turning point for Mr. Matonti, because this was the person who had changed his life and inspired his career.
The wife’s owner asked him if he still wanted to work, and have a major role, at her husband’s restaurant. He accepted and honored this offer, but then he decided maybe the legacy should be continued through teaching. Mr. Matonti said,” At this time in my life, I thought working at the restaurant would not be the best way to carry his legacy; it was to become a teacher and be a mentor to students, just as he was to me.”
Matonti’s course consists of basic skills and techniques for home cooking. According to him, the most important qualities to possess as a member of this class (or when pursuing a culinary career in the real world) are focus, discipline, and cleanliness. He has a large passion for teaching students what he has learned in the past to ensure they will receive fun, admirable, and long-lasting life skills in Culinary Arts. His favorite part of this course is “their look on their faces when they become successful”.
To wrap up, Mr. Matonti brings a great spirit to the environment of our school by demonstrating his Culinary Arts skills, inspiring many young ones with his backstory, and continuing his legacy.
