CTEC Culinary Arts Students Celebrate ACF Certifications

“Mardi Gras” was the theme of this year’s Culinary Banquet, the grand finale for graduating students in Rockland BOCES’ culinary arts program. The banquet, with record attendance of more than 100 family members and staff, was held on May 14 at the Jesse Kaplan School. Diners feasted on oysters on the half shell, crawfish, muffulettas, jambalaya and beignets, all prepared and presented by the students.

Assistant  to the Superintendent Catherine O’Brien and District Superintendent Dr. Mary Jean Marsico both reminded guests about the rigor of the program and lauded students and career education staff for their commitment to excellence in the classroom in and in the kitchen.  

In his remarks, culinary arts instructor Kendell Brenner told the students that as they moved forward in their careers, if they truly loved what they were doing, they would never feel like they were working.

After the meal, the following students were recognized for achieving certification through the American Culinary Federation:

Certified Junior Culinarian
• Michelle Francis - East Ramapo Central School District
• Danielle Kesecki - Ramapo Central School District 
• Jake Luca - Clarkstown Central School District
• Rebecca Richards - Nanuet Union Free School District
• Catherine Sheridan - Pearl River Union Free School District

SEC Secondary
• Enrico Trongone - Clarkstown Central School District
• Jason Rheubottom - East Ramapo Central School District 
• Andrew Jung - South Orangetown Central School District
• Dylan Graney - Clarkstown Central School District