Hey Foodies! I’m Wes Slawson and I'm finally in my Dream Job of teaching others how to cook well. If I look familiar, I've taught Foods classes at Big Foot since 2019 and substitute taught at Big Foot for two years before that. Perhaps you know me because my family has lived in this area for the last 23 years and my sons graduated from BFHS. I also teach adult cooking classes through the Rec. Department.

I earned my Wisconsin teachers license through years of working in restaurants, hotels and resorts. My bachelor’s degree is from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I also have a drawer full of certificates and licenses in everything from crisis counseling to pyrotechnics.

I developed my chef and managing skills at numerous restaurants through the years, from chain restaurants to table-side cooking in a gourmet French restaurant. My favorite cooking moment was when I directed 275 volunteers to set a new Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Fish Fry! For 10 years I directed “Survivor” team building camps for teens, based on the reality tv show.

With over 35 years of experience in working with high school students, I strive to actively engage every student – helping each to gain confidence to achieve big dreams. I build working relationships with area restaurants and resorts and help interested students get into the industry. When I’m not in the kitchen, I’ve led or assisted: FCCLA, Forensics, DECA, food pantries, FCA, community theater and community service projects.

I strive to meet students where they are at and work forward with them into new experiences and deeper understandings.

For the 2022 Fall semester, I will be teaching TWO of our introductory cooking classes (Foods 1) and FOUR Baking and Pastries advanced courses. Students are required to take at least Foods 1 before taking this course. The Baking course is a transcripted course where students can earn THREE technical college credits for FREE through Gateway Technical College.

For the 2023 Spring semester, I will be teaching THREE introductory cooking classes (Foods 1), ONE Foods 2 class, and TWO Global Foods classes.

John Karabas has been at Big Foot High School since 2019 in various roles, co-teaching English, History and Math classes, Case manager for Special Education and serving as Big Foot's Work Experience Coordinator. He's also coached JV Golf & JV Basketball.

He designed and owned four fast-casual pizza establishments in Chicago for 15years. Locally, he owned Pie High Pizza in Fontana for 10 years. He has rich experience in restaurant: marketing, public relations, customer service and so much more!

And as far as local resort experience, He has worked 10 years with Geneval National Resort, serving as Assistant to Banquet Chef, Special Events, Player Services and Turf Smokehouse!

We are very excited to benefit from his extensive experiences in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry!

For the 2024 Fall semester, Mr. Karabas will be teaching a course that we haven't had at Big Foot for about six years, Principles of Hospitality. Our region is rich in restaurants, resorts and hotels, so this course is all about exploring this industry with lots of field trips and guest speakers! Also, Mr. Karabas will be teaching TWO of our introductory cooking classes (Foods 1) .

For the 2025 Spring semester, will be teaching TWO Foods 2 classes along with Introduction to Service in the Hospitality Field