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Atlanta Culinary Students Share a Moment in the Spotlight among Georgia's Olympic Track & Field Athletes

On Saturday, February 12, 2018, The Art Institute of Atlanta’s culinary program partnered with LakePoint Sporting Community for the “Legends of Georgia Track & Field” VIP gala reception. This event, held in conjunction with the Dunamis Super Meet, honored Olympic track & field athletes, many of whom still retain world records in their respective sport.

        

(Images courtesy of Steve Strother Photo & Video)

“It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Chef James Paul and this team,” stated John Bevilaqua, event representative of the VIP event. “From the chefs to the students they were not only up to the tasks at hand but did so efficiently and with huge smiles on their faces. In short, it was a very positive experience for our host team and made so by the professional approach by the Ai staff.”

Culinary students in attendance expressed their excitement and gratitude of being part of gala. “I found the reception and the entire experience inspirational,” said Lloyd White, BS student in culinary arts management. “This was my first time volunteering at an event of this magnitude,” stated Shquavia Ward, BS student in culinary arts management. “I’ve never seen so many athletes! They were very nice and asked us a lot of questions about the food we created and what inspired us to be in culinary school.” Phyllip Hall, also a BS student in culinary arts management, added, “It was a beautiful experience. What made me most proud was how highly people spoke of us during the event.”

Bevilaqua stated, “The comments from those I talked to were only positive and in some cases, enthusiastic. I was particularly touched by the fact that the world class Olympians were applauding the students when I introduced the Ai team.” Faculty Member Ophelia Santos agrees. "This was a truly proud moment for The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta," said Santos. "Our students WOWED the guests with their professionalism and personalities."

Kudos to the chefs Tony Morrow and Daniel Bowers, faculty member Ophelia Santos, Culinary Department Chair chef James Paul, and the culinary students who played an intricate role of making the gala exceptional and memorable. Paul stated, "It was a great event for our students to be involved with. Participating and engaging with world class Olympic athletes is a perspective a student cannot experience in the classroom."  

Culinary students who participated in this event are: Samantha Etienne, Lisa Long, Widya Tjen, Lloyd White, April Gafney, Chanel Franklin, Holly Holt, Shquavia Ward, Phyllip Hall, Carlos Polk, Charlene Williams, Chester Jenkins, and Shanice Smith. All are enrolled in the BS Culinary Arts Management degree program.

(All images courtesy of Steve Strother Photo & Video)