Left to right: Timothy Maahs, Executive Director, Rock County Historical Society; Rachel Pregont Andres, Executive Vice President, Prent Corporation; Joe Pregont, CEO, Prent Corporation; Dr. Tracy Pierner, President, Blackhawk Technical College

In partnership with Prent Corporation and the Rock County Historical Society, students in Blackhawk’s Culinary Arts program showcased their culinary talents Thursday by preparing and serving a special lunch at the Wilson King Stonehouse – the first event held in the newly renovated space.

The Stonehouse was constructed in 1842 as a single-family residence on St. Lawrence Avenue and was moved to its current location on the Rock County Historical Society campus in 1964. It has served as a museum and archives building until recently when, as part of its strategic plan, the Historical Society renovated the house to provide food preparation facilities, including a demonstration kitchen and a full catering kitchen, with generous financial help from Prent.

Thursday's luncheon event not only highlighted the culinary talents of Blackhawk's students but also underscored the power of collaboration.

“This is a remarkable example of how education, industry and community can come together to create an exceptional event,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk. “I am grateful to the Rock County Historical Society and to Prent for having Blackhawk students be the first to utilize and cook in this beautiful space.”

The luncheon, which featured shrimp cocktail, grilled naan, bulgogi beef sirloin and panna cotta, also raised money for the Blackhawk Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund.

“It was so great to see the space come together after the renovations and to be utilized for the first time while allowing the culinary students a chance to showcase their skills," said Rachel Pregont Andres, Executive Vice President of Prent Corporation. "The event was a huge success!”