Monroe College names Best High School Chefs

Monroe College's School of Hospitality Management and the Culinary Arts selected the winners of its second annual America's Best High School Chef scholarship contest, held in April at its Culinary Arts Center in New Rochelle, N.Y. Twelve high school students from around the country interested in pursuing associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts competed for scholarship money toward Monroe College as well as the chance to qualify for a semester abroad in Italy.

(l to r) Best High School Pastry Chef Jessica Johnson, Monroe College School of Hospitality Management dean Frank Costantino and Best High School Culinary Arts Chef Gabriela Grande

The top culinary arts scholarship winner was Gabriela Grande, a senior at Food & Finance High School in New York City. Jessica Johnson, a senior at The Warwick Career and Technical Center, Warwick, R.I., was the pastry arts scholarship winner. Grande's winning dish was spinach and mushroom-seared chicken stuffed with cheese, and Johnson's Nutella, chocolate and hazelnut tart won her top honors. Both women will receive full scholarships to Monroe's associate degree programs, worth approximately $32,000 each.