Michael Copley, a senior at The Villages Charter High School in The Villages, FL, started cooking in an aftercare program in middle school with Chef John Woods. Copley has been enrolled in culinary arts for three years at The Villages High School.
Copley earned his entry to the Best Teen Chef Competition by submitting his favorite recipe, Cedar Plank Salmon with Fennel Slaw and a Sweet Onion Chipotle Glaze. Copley said he tested four different sauces before deciding on the combination.
When he’s not at school, Copley likes to hang out with friends and enjoys his part-time job as a line cook. He said he enjoys the fun, fast-paced environment of the restaurant.
After earning his degree in Culinary Arts at The Art Institute of Jacksonville, Copley hopes to be a chef at a fine-dining establishment in New York City or Las Vegas.