Walla Walla Community College Culinary-Arts Student Kristin Swaggart Wins American Culinary Federation’s Be Like "Mike" Contest
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, July 22-26, in Dallas. Airfare, accommodations and a full registration to the convention will be provided.
Swaggart was selected as winner of the Be Like “Mike” contest from four other semifinalists. Eligible applicants had to be either a first-, second- or third-year full-time culinary student enrolled in a degree-granting culinary program at a university or college, or an apprentice in an American Culinary Federation Education Foundation apprenticeship program; an ACF member; and at least 18 years old. Entrants had to submit a signed letter of endorsement from their department chair and/or school/apprenticeship director, as well as a 500-word essay describing why they aspire to be a culinary leader and how shadowing Ty at the 2011 ACF National Convention would help them reach their goal.
“I was pleased with the quality of candidates, especially those selected as semifinalists for the interview phase of the contest,” said Ty. “Choosing a winner was difficult, as each candidate was impressive. During the interview process, the candidates expressed their excitement, spirit and passion for all things culinary, and how one day they would be a leader in the industry. I only wish that they all could have won.”
Swaggart, 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.