CIA awards its "Cream of the Crop" scholarships

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has awarded its "Cream of the Crop" scholarships for summer and early fall 2009. Seven aspiring culinarians who begin their CIA studies between July and September earned merit scholarships to the college based on their leadership skills and academic record.

Recipients earn $5,000, which is renewable for each year of study at the CIA provided they maintain at least a 3.2 grade point average (GPA). The latest scholarship winners are:

• Kira Bassingthwaight of Missoula, Mont.--Ms. Bassingthwaight is graduating from Hellgate High School with a 3.8 GPA. She was captain of the school's cross country team and a member of the Link Crew that helped freshmen transition to high school.
• Steven Doucakis of Londonderry, N.H.--Mr. Doucakis graduates from Londonderry High School with a 3.5 GPA. He is a member of the music honor society and founder of his school's marching band. Outside of school, Steven created a program at his church to bring baked goods during the holidays to families who recently lost a loved one.
• Allison Fortin of Spencerport, N.Y.--Ms. Fortin graduates from Spencerport High School with a 3.7 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and French Club, a peer tutor and a volunteer for many charitable organizations in her community.
• Eric Jeffay of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.--Mr. Jeffay finishes his studies at Briarcliff High School with a 3.9 GPA. He was the founder and president of his school's Culinary Club and a member of both NHS and the National Math Honor Society. Eric was also captain of the varsity swim team.
• Brighid Lee-Egan of Summit, N.J.--Ms. Lee-Egan graduates from Summit High School with 3.9 GPA. She was a member of the volleyball team and won the Award of Excellence for Family and Consumer Science. Brighid is active in her community as a Girl Scout, counselor at Comfort Zone Camp, and volunteer with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
• Michael Shinholt of Eldersburg, Md.--Mr. Shinholt is graduating from Century High School with a 3.9 GPA. A member of the football and baseball teams, he was also a member of the Young Life Club and culinary arts program at his school. Michael has volunteered for neighborhood fund-raisers and served as an umpire in a local baseball league.
• Molly Winn of Tyngsboro, Maine.--Ms. Winn completes her studies at Tyngsboro High School with a 3.6 GPA. She was a member of the theater program, chorus and dance team at her school. Molly also taught Sunday School at her church.

"These seven outstanding young men and women rose to the top of a very qualified applicant pool to earn their scholarships," said CIA vice president of enrollment management Drusilla Blackman in a press release. "They join more than 100 other successful up-and-coming culinarians in the last 10 years whom the CIA has been proud to support through the Cream of the Crop Scholarship."

All seven students will be pursuing bachelor's degrees from the CIA in either culinary arts management or baking and pastry arts management. The CIA's Cream of the Crop scholarships are awarded to 10 worthy recipients over the course of each academic year.