In addition to the $5,000 he earned in the Meatless Monday recipe development competition, Adrian Gonzalez just earned his full tuition scholarship to CHEF ERIC'S CULINARY CLASSROOM. It's a small private school with a wonderful chef-educator and a fully hands on program! I am not exaggerating when I say, THIS IS A REALLY BIG DEAL!! His year of competition included a daunting application, job shadowing, volunteering at weekend events, and two competitions. Finals were held Friday. Today at the Jonathan Club he received his award. He also commandeered the microphone to give me a shout out.... Unprecedented. But totally Adrian! Hard work does pay off. He has enough in scholarships to afford the master chef program and the professional baking program. Adrian practiced 3 days a week after school all semester. I am honored to have been a part of his success. His work ethic is admirable, his humility is genuine, and his culinary talent is real. And he's the first student in my 20+ years of coaching to tell me that he had fun at competition. I expect great things for him in the future! Stay tuned.
Additionally, we have a lot to look forward to next year. Junior competitor, Joshua Israel placed in the top 10 of competing juniors in southern California.
Ms. Phillips, LACES Culinary Arts Teacher