Kristin Swaggart of Kennewick, Wash., a culinary-arts student at Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla, Wash., was named winner of the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) Be Like “Mike” contest and will shadow ACF National President Michael Ty, CEC, AAC, at the 2011 ACF National Convention.
Swaggart was selected as winner of the Be Like “Mike” contest from four other semifinalists. Kristin a member of ACF Northwest Wine Country Chapter, is pursuing her Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Culinary Arts from Walla Walla Community College. She recently participated in ACF’s Western Regional Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl as a member of the Walla Walla Community College team. While the team did not claim the regional title of this “Jeopardy”-style tournament that tests students’ culinary knowledge, they represented their school and ACF chapter well against the other six competing teams.
“Being chosen to shadow Chef Ty at this year’s ACF national convention is an honor that means a great deal to me. An experience such as this opens doors to connections and opportunities that are invaluable. Spending time with Chef Ty and meeting other chefs of his caliber will be a learning experience that will help me achieve my goals and be a strong leader in this profession,” said Swaggart. “My culinary journey was inspired by my son, who has a life threatening allergy to peanuts. The chance to Be Like Mike’ provides a unique avenue for me to tell our story, and shed some light on the ever increasing challenge of food allergies.”
The following applicants were semifinalists in the contest: Sierra Grden of Walla Walla, Wash., a student at Walla Walla Community College, and a member of ACF Northwest Wine Country Chapter; Ryan Manning of Burke, Va., a student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, Va., and apprentice at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Va., and a member of ACF Virginia Chefs Association; Alijose Prieto of Davie, Fla., a student at McFatter Technical Center, Davie, and a member of Fort Lauderdale ACF Inc.; and Amy Ramirez of Roseville, Calif., a student at Institute of Technology, Citrus Heights, Calif., and a member of ACF California Capital Chefs Association.
Published By Kristin 6/20/11
