Sullivan University Wins Two Gold Medals at Music City Challenge Fall Culinary Competition
Two students at Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies (NCHS) won gold medals at the 2011 Music City Challenge, the American Culinary Federation-sponsored competition that took place September 27 and 28 in Nashville.
Kelsee Newman and Kenna Nelson represented Sullivan University’s Baking and Pastry Arts program, presenting a display in petit fours and an Alice in Wonderland sculpture produced from fat. The students were evaluated by certified ACF chef judges Paul C. Jensen, II, CEC, CCA, AAC, Wolfgang Bierer, CMPC, CEC, CCE, AAC, and Roland E. Schaeffer, CEC, AAC, HOF.
“A gold medal is thrilling in its own right, but it's the caliber of judging behind it that makes it noteworthy,” said Nelson. “We are honored that the talented, experienced and award-winning team of judges were impressed by us! But we couldn't have done it without the chefs at Sullivan who invested in us during our preparation.”
“Participating in a competition like this involves so much stress and work, and time spent before and after class ... but it's all worth it to hear these amazing chefs who are judging your work say that it's worthy of a gold medal,” said Newman.
“The judges spoke very highly about Sullivan University and the education that our students are receiving,” said Baking and Pastry Arts chair Derek Spendlove, CEPC, AAC. “This is an exciting honor.”