Big Honors

I think I've mentioned my Mom is attending culinary school. She graduated in August (she's now a chef!), and started up again in September to complete her pastry chef training.

It's funny to me, because she's been cooking in restaurants and/or baking for a living for...ever. But of course, a degree opens a lot of doors!

So, in a bit of a twist, I'd like to share something with you: she's won a scholarship!

(scroll down, her name is in bold-type)

AAC Announces Julia Child, Chair's Scholarship Recipients

The American Academy of Chefs, the honor society of the American Culinary Federation, recently announced the recipients of its 2005 Julia Child Memorial and Chair's scholarships.

Five recipients of nearly 100 applicants were selected to receive each scholarship.

Chair's Scholarship
Shekinah Brensdal - Renton Technical College
Heather Diedrick - The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Jennifer Grubbs - Florida Culinary Institute
Vyacheslav Panayev - Community College of Philadelphia
Julie Thompson - Scottsdale Culinary Institute

Julia Child Scholarship
Erin Chittum - Columbus State Community College
Avacceli Landecho - Western Culinary Institute
David Lieberman - Johnson & Wales University
Susan Parana -Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Kelly Vincent - Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts-Atlanta

"It was extremely difficult deciding who to award a scholarship," said AAC Education Committee Chair Paul O'Toole, CEC, AAC. "There were many qualified applicants-I just wish I could have selected more individuals."

The AAC annually administers the Chair's scholarship to a variable number of exemplary culinary students enrolled in an accredited, full-time, two-or four-year culinary program. The Julia Child scholarship was awarded in 2005 in remembrance of the late, well-known chef for her contributions to the culinary profession.

For scholarship consideration, applicants must have completed at least one grading period at the culinary school for which the scholarship is intended prior to applying, as well as submit an official transcript and two letters of recommendation from industry and/or culinary professionals.

"It is the Academy's goal to promote the education of future culinarians," said AAC National Chair John Minniti, CCE, AAC. "It is through the support of so many AAC Fellows that we are able to award these scholarships to undergraduate culinary students, thereby helping to achieve, in part, this mission."

Nominate Outstanding AAC Fellows for Service Award Pin

American Academy of Chefs (AAC) members may nominate exemplary fellow members throughout the year who demonstrate active participation, service and dedication to the Academy, American Culinary Federation (ACF) and culinary profession for the AAC Service Award Pin.

To be considered for the award, several criteria must be met, including:

* An AAC Fellow for five or more years in good standing
* Actively involved in local ACF chapter activities
* A mentor for future professionals or an advisor, demonstrator and/or lecturer to schools through the Sharing Culinary Traditions (SCT) program
* Volunteers time and effort to enhancing the culinary profession on a local, regional or national level, and be involved in charitable events that bring recognition to the AAC, ACF and chapter
* Write and publish food-related articles on a local, regional or national level
* A chair, co-chair or participant in local chapter events, regional conferences and activities

In addition to the completed application, a letter of between 100-150 words that describes how the individual meets the criteria must be submitted by the applicant's chapter board of directors on behalf of the applicant.

The application, after it has been signed and dated, along with the letter, should be mailed to the AAC regional vice president by the applicant's chapter. Upon approval, the vice president will forward both the application and letter to the AAC national chair, who will make the final determination.

How cool is that?