Culinary Challenge
Top chefs in the Lehigh Valley came together for the sixth year to team up
with our student chefs to create an amazing tasting menu consisting of six
courses. New this year, students conceived original dishes then met with
their star chef for help in elevating the dish. This year schools also selected
hospitality students who assisted in serving the meal. For the second year in a
row, guests chose Upper Bucks County Technical School the victor. This
team featured student chefs Colin Bloome and Liam Phillips, under
the tutelage of Chef Gregory Caracappa from Sodexo Mack Trucks.
The students from each school were very grateful to benefit from the time
spent with our local chefs. Other chef and student chef teams were:
Chef Tyler Baxter of The Bayou with Chyanne Rowe and Emma Wortman
from Career Institute of Technology
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Chef Shawn Doyle of Savory Grille with Jasmine Kutzura and Anthony
Sorrentino from Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
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Chef Daniel Goulet of Lords Valley Country Club with Ross Manigo and
Melissa Corrao from Monroe Career & Technical Institute
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Chef Randy Zerfass from Lehigh Country Club with Airick Crouthamel and
Corey Ortiz from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School
Culinary Arts (LCTI 2011, The Culinary Institute of America 2014)
SkillsUSA Involvement
LCTI SkillsUSA Vice President 2008-2009; LCTI SkillsUSA President 2009-2010, 20102011; The Culinary Institute of America Secretary 2011-2012; Culinary Arts Competitor
(Districts 2009, 2010, 2011 States 2010, 2011 Nationals 2011 – bronze medal); As well as
various other awards received and trainings or events attended
Community Involvement
Toys For Tots, Heart Walk, ALS Walk, Relay for Life, Wounded Warrior Project, Unbound
Employment
Longhorn Steakhouse (Darden Restaurant Group) – Restaurant Manager
Arizona State University (Aramark) – Catering and Events Manager
After wanting to be a Chef since the age of three and attending one of the best schools
in the world for the Culinary Arts, Sam had the most heart wrenching realization; she no
longer wanted to be a “Chef”. She is currently a catering and events manager. Sam was
always excited about meeting and working with customers, and this drastic change has
enabled her to grow as a professional in the workforce.
What impact has SkillUSA had on you?
SkillsUSA enabled me to find myself from a very young age. It allowed me to become
involved in the community, the Culinary Industry, and in the world. This organization
reminded me that if I work hard enough, and stay focused and driven, there is nothing I
can’t accomplish. Every time I