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UA-PTC student chefs compete in the American Culinary Federation’s National Convention in Las Vegas

UA - Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute (CAHMI) student chefs attended and competed during the American Culinary Federation’s annual national convention held July 25-28 in Las Vegas, NV.

Along with more than 50 competitors around the country, UA-PTC student chefs vied for the top spots in Student Team, Student Chef, and Student Pastry Chef of the Year. Competition puts to test the many skills learned in the classroom and most importantly, inspires young culinarians to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Students learn valuable skills from time management to working on a team that carry them into successful careers.

The following UA-PTC CAHMI student chefs received medals in the following:

Kimberlie Jeffers
Student Pastry Chef of the Year

Jennifer Maune
Student Chef of the Year

Elizabeth Gomarga
Student Team of the Year

Kayla Branch
Student Team of the Year

Mathieu Dale
Student Team of the Year

Andre Jansen
Student Team of the Year

Nicolas Chow
Student Team of the Year

"We are very proud of our students and thankful for our faculty and staff for their support," said Jan Lewandowski, CAHMI Director.

The American Culinary Federation’s national convention is biggest annual gathering of chefs, students, and foodservice professionals in the country.

Photos from the competition can be seen on the UA-PTC CAHMI Facebook page. For additional information about CAHMI programs offered at UA-PTC, see CAHMI Program Information.

Pictured top from left: Mathieu Dale, Kayla Branch, Elizabeth Gomarga, and Taniya Boykin (Team Alternate). Bottom from left: Nicolas Chow, Zackary Thomas (Team Manager), and Andre Jansen.

Special note: Harold "Jay" Wright (pictured on backdrop) competed as part of the 2018-2019 CAHMI Student Team. They earned a Bronze Medal at the 2018 John Joyce Challenge in Kansas City, KS and competed at the ACF Regionals in Minneapolis. He is currently Executive Chef at the University of Central Arkansas.