FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2009
Culinary Education Center graduates 36
Several students who completed the CEC program are pictured with Freeholder McMorrow. From left: Jordan Maxwell, Melissa Pavel, Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, Shannon Murphy and Paige Gillespie.
ASBURY PARK – Thirty-six future chefs were graduated recently from the Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County. This high school level course allows students to develop a variety of work-based learning experiences to assist them in evaluating hospitality skills and interests.
The Culinary Education Center is the product of a unique collaboration between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocational School District, bringing comprehensive, innovative food preparation and management education to area students.
“The students should all be very proud of their accomplishment, because not only did they learn about the food industry they also had to keep their grades up in other subjects as well,” said Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow, who attended the graduation. “It’s more than learning to be a chef; it’s about learning how to conduct oneself in a confident, professional manner.”
The high school curriculum is designed to provide entry level workforce skills. Students also have an opportunity to work for an employer in a culinary related position for a period of time to learn about the food-service industry, and to further define and clarify their professional career goals.
The graduates also earned up to 19 college credits. This provides them with advance standing in their acceptance at Brookdale Community College’s Culinary Education Center college division Culinary Arts Associate Degree program.
The Center’s state-of-the art classrooms and laboratories are situated in a newly-renovated building in Asbury Park, adjacent to Asbury Park high School, and offers the opportunity to learn by working with the latest advances in food preparation technology.
“The Culinary Education Center’s multi-level approach to education answers the occupational demands and training needs for entry-level food service employees as well as chefs who are seeking professional advancement,” Principal Michael Sirianni said. “We are extremely pleased with the overall performance of this particular class. They did an outstanding job.”
The Center’s state-of-the art classrooms and laboratories are situated in a newly-renovated building in Asbury Park, adjacent to Asbury Park high School, and offers the opportunity to learn by working with the latest advances in food preparation technology.
* A list of award winners and graduates are attached.
Award winners
Achievement Certificates (Silver) – Kanesha Atkinson, Daniel Benesh, Sarah Betros, Stephen Bowen, Sean Cohen, Maida Cortes, Kevin Craig, Troy Culmone, Paige Gillespie, Jeffrey Hayet, Tara Lewis, Michael Malafronte, Ayzha Martin, Steven McNally, Jacob Moricone, Shannon Murphy, Marcus Neal, Nicholas Rogan, Bridget Sherman, Troy Symons, Terrence Taylor, Kristie Vivian and Benjamin Ware
Excellence Certificates (Gold) – Traci Augustino, Kenneth Bibbo, Devin Burke, Danielle Franklin, Benjamin Folta, Christina Gutierrez, Courtney Hageman, Jordan Maxwell, John Panzino, Melissa Pavel, Thomas Payco, John Ridgeway, and James Rumsey
Principal’s Award of Merit – Sarah Betros, Devin Burke, Jordan Maxwell, John Panzino, and Terrence Taylor
Graduates
Kanesha Atkinson, Matawan Regional
Traci Augustino, Monmouth Regional
Daniel Benesh, Manalapan High School
Sarah Betros, Middletown High School North
Kenneth Bibbo, Colts Neck High School
Stephen Bowen, Middletown High School South
Devin Burke, Middletown High School South
Sean Cohen, Ocean Township High School
Maida Cortes, Keyport High School
Kevin Craig, Monmouth Regional
Troy Culmone, Howell High School
Benjamin Folta, Interlaken (home schooled)
Danielle Franklin, Shore Regional
Paige Gillespie, Rumson-Fair Haven
Christina Gutierrez, Monmouth Regional
Courtney Hageman, Monmouth Regional
Jeffrey Hayet, Shore Regional
Tara Lewis, Middletown High School North
Michael Malafronte, Red Bank Regional
Ayzha Martin, Monmouth Regional
Jordan Maxwell, Manasquan High School
Steven McNally, Middletown High School North
Jacob Moricone, Manalapan High School
Shannon Murphy, Freehold Township High School
Marcus Neal, Matawan Regional
John Panzino, Manasquan High School
Melissa Pavel, Howell High School
Thomas Payco, Manalapan High School
John Ridgeway Jr., Rumson-Fair Haven
Nicholas Rogan, Raritan High School
James Rumsey, Ocean Township High School
Bridget Sherman, Keansburg High School
Troy Symons, Howell High School
Terrence Taylor, Monmouth Regional
Kristie Vivian, Shore Regional
Benjamin Ware, Monmouth Regional
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