After a long intensive process of reading, rating applications, and interviewing semifinalists, the 2013 Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship Committee narrowed the field to seven. Based on need, merit and potential, these highly motivated, passionate culinary students stood out from the rest to earn this year’s Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago Scholarships.
Recipients are students at College of DuPage, Kendall College, The French Pastry School, Triton College, Washburne Culinary Institute. $22,500 in scholarships were awarded.
Rachel Dau is a baking and pastry student at College of DuPage and intends to continue school toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality management.
Her enthusiasm, passion and commitment caught the eye of her instructors, including former Dame Nancy Carey, who asked her to become a teaching and research assistant. Her fellow students elected her to the COD Hospitality Club and an entire page in her application indicates how she participates in a wide array of community and college activities. In fact, she immediately caught the attention of the Scholarship Committee on our visit to the college when she enthusiastically conducted a tour of the campus for us.
From her application, I paraphrase these words: It makes such a difference when I cook and make those who will be eating the food happy. You can taste the difference. Food makes people happy. When this is the case, work and school do not feel like a chore but a never ending adventure.
She dreams of becoming a teacher and hopes a mentor will give her multiple influences in the industry and guide her in balancing this career with family life.
She has been awarded a scholarship in the amount of $5000 toward her dream.
Chantiyanna Thigpen is a beginning baking and pastry student at Washburne Culinary Institute whose plan is to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality.
Her sparkling personality and ability to work with people came through to us in her application and her interview. Her instructor stresses her dedication, drive, passion, consistency, professional behavior and also her willingness to volunteer for every event that comes along.
Chantiyanna has been a customer service agent for several years and is currently a math tutor which she says provided skills she is transitioning into the skills that will help her to become successful in the culinary field.
In her essay she told us that “..every day, when I wake up, I am mis en placing for my life”
Her hope is to find a mentor who will fairly critique her so she can learn more, and introduce her to the culinary field beyond her own community. She is looking for a connection in any field who will recognize who she is and help her continually improve by sharing with her what they have learned.
We are pleased to announce that Chantiyanna has been awarded a $5000 scholarship. Continue reading “2013 Scholarship Recipients” →
Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago Chapter held a champagne reception on May 14 to present the 2013 awardees in their annual scholarship program.
