Ivy Tech student wins ACF's Be Like 'Mike' contest

Trish LeBlanc, a hospitality administration student at Ivy Tech Community College--Central Indiana, Indianapolis, 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 2010 ACF National Convention Aug. 2 to 5, in Anaheim, Calif.


LeBlanc (pictured, above) was selected as the winner of the Be Like "Mike" contest from a host of national candidates. Entrants were required to be at least 18 years old and an ACF member; and 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 ACF Education Foundation apprenticeship program. The candidates submitted a signed letter of endorsement from their department chair and/or school or apprenticeship director, as well as a 500-word essay describing why they aspire to be a culinary leader and how shadowing Ty during the 2010 ACF National Convention would help them reach their goal.

LeBlanc is pursuing an associate degree in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. She has been an active member of the ACF Greater Indianapolis Chapter since August 2009 and serves on the chapter's student board. She aspires to one day teach culinary arts.