Penn College School of Hospitality Announces Food Show Results

Pennsylvania College of Technology announced the winners for its annual Food Show, a showcase for final projects in advanced culinary arts and baking and pastry arts courses at the college.

Taking the Chef Eugene Mattucci Best of Show Award was a two-tier cake decorated by Carrie A. Williams, a baking and pastry arts student from State College. Mattucci was chef/owner of Mattucci’s Italian Restaurant in Mount Carmel and was a longtime Penn College advisory committee member and Food Show judge.



Classes showing off final projects included Advanced Garde Manger, Advanced Patisserie, Artistic Buffet Decoration, Cakes and Decorations, Classical and Specialty Dessert Presentation, Classical Cuisines of the World, and Principles of Chocolate Works.

Final projects by the students in the Priniciples of Chocolate Works course came in the form of chocolate houses constructed to represent Williamsport-area landmarks. The 15 chocolate buildings were sold in silent auction during the Food Show to benefit Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity. Supplemented by a live auction of cookie trays and other treats, the event raised about $1,300 for the nonprofit group.

Projects were judged by Penn College alumni Mara Rakowski, customer service director of Aramark at Susquehanna Health; Chuck Persun, restaurant manager and chef at Wegmans; and Dennis Eckrote, executive chef at Elizabeth’s: An American Bistro in Lewisburg. Also serving as judges were Michael Davis, executive chef of Aramark at Susquehanna Health, and Layne E. Eggers, assistant dean of the School of Hospitality.

Winners are:

Advanced Garde Manger: First place, Patrick J. Kelly, of Muncy, and Darren J. Layre, of Hatboro; second place, Donnie L. Evans, of Williamsport, and Katrina N. Grado, of Williamsport; third place, Michael P. Knaub, of Kings Park, N.Y., and Tyler K. Pratt, of Avondale; honorable mention, Katelyn M. Rusnak, of Williamsport, and Jessica A. Reppert, of Northampton.

Advanced Patisserie: First place, Ashley N. McFalls, of Ephrata; second place, Brittany S. Gromis, of State College; third place, Nadeia Stokes, of Williamsport; honorable mention, Jessica C. Dabback, of Williamsport.

Artistic Buffet Decoration: Tallow: First place, Laura A. Rozzi, of Reading; second place, Robin K. Morrison, of Lock Haven; third place, Noelle B. Bloom, of Montgomery; honorable mention, Teanna M. Dorey, of Port Matilda. Ice sculpture: First place, Teanna M. Dorey, of Port Matilda, Colleen S. Masteller, of Williamsport, Kassandra S. Sellinger, of Linden; second place, Arthur H. Byra, of East Stroudsburg; third place, Laura A. Rozzi, of Reading, and Noelle B. Bloom, of Montgomery; honorable mention, Katharine V. Marks, of Barto, Robin K. Morrison, of Lock Haven, and Christine M. Reed, of Kingston.

Cakes and Decorations: First place, Lewis D. Robinson, of Bellefonte; second place, Carrie A. Williams, of State College; third place, Candice E. Fowler, of Williamsport; honorable mention, Ashley E. Gentzyel, of Lock Haven.

Classical and Specialty Dessert Presentation: First place, Cody J. Baum, of Reading; second place, Cameron J. Stewart, of Walworth, N.Y.; third place, Danica C. Mazzotta, of Tyrone; honorable mention, Hillary L. Dyson, of Great Mills, Md.

Classical Cuisines of the World: First place, Lewis D. Robinson, of Bellefonte; second place, Candice E. Fowler, of Williamsport; third place, Brandon R. Greiss, of New Tripoli; honorable mention, Kari M. Elwell, of Westfield.

Principles of Chocolate Works: First place, Lisa M. Hojnacki, of Downingtown; second place, Alisha M. Miley, of State College; third place, Hillary L. Dyson, of Great Mills, Md.; honorable mention, Abby Wasiakowski, of Mountain Top.

To learn more about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call 570-327-4505.

For general information about Penn College, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.