Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the achievements and sharing the inspiring stories of our Hispanic students. This week, we are excited to feature Diego Pantoja Rangel, a second-year student in EASTERN’s Culinary Arts program and a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School. Diego was selected for this student spotlight by his Culinary Arts instructor, Chef Ben Vozzo, for his passion for cooking and learning.

When Diego thinks about National Hispanic Heritage Month, he thinks about his family, Mexican culture, and the traditions that are important to them. One tradition Diego noted is Mexican Independence Day, which is observed on September 16 and commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence in 1810.

Diego comes from a close-knit family, and he draws motivation and inspiration from his mom, dad, sister, and uncle. Both of Diego’s parents were born in Mexico, although they are from different parts of the country. His mother is from Toluca, Mexico, while his father is from San Antonio, Puebla. His grandparents and many cousins still live in Mexico, and Diego visits them whenever he can, usually spending about two weeks with his family. “Mexico is beautiful, and I love spending time with my grandparents and family there,” said Diego.

Diego’s mom has worked in several restaurants, and he remembers going to work with her when he was younger. Those experiences sparked his love of cooking and inspired him to pursue Culinary Arts at EASTERN. “I chose Culinary Arts at EASTERN because I enjoy learning new recipes and techniques, and I know my mom can help me with any questions I may have. She truly inspired my love for cooking,” said Diego. Diego also believes his love of cooking may have come from his dad, who doesn’t cook as often as his mom but is an outstanding cook in his own right. His dad recently made a braised stew that Diego described as “amazing.”

Diego’s favorite dishes to prepare are steak and chilaquiles. Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish made with lightly simmered corn tortilla chips coated in red or green salsa. Diego perfected his steak preparation on his own, while his mom taught him how to make chilaquiles. Although Mexican food is his go-to, Diego enjoys exploring new cuisines and learning how to prepare all different types of recipes.

“I feel that Culinary Arts is the right career path for me because it allows me to build a successful career doing something I enjoy and in which I excel,” said Diego.  Diego encourages any student considering an EASTERN program to take the opportunity and go for it. “What is stopping you? You don’t want to look back one day and wish you had taken advantage of an opportunity to learn something new and grow your skills.

After graduating from EASTERN and Hatboro-Horsham High School, he plans to attend the Culinary Arts program at Montgomery County Community College.  He would also like to work in the culinary field while growing his skills and confidence, and someday he may even open his own restaurant.