Food Show Winners, Fundraising Results Announced

Published 12.14.2009

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Rachel M. Emmons, of Washington, N.J., received the Best of Show Award at the annual Pennsylvania College of Technology Food Show for a two-tier cake she created in the Cakes and Decorations course.Works by baking and pastry arts students at Pennsylvania College of Technology were auctioned to raise more than $1,600 for Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity during the School of Hospitality's annual Food Show on Dec. 4.

The centerpiece of the fundraising effort was a silent auction of 12 chocolate houses created by students in the Principles of Chocolate Works course. Sold in live auction by Linden auctioneer Scott Younkin were holiday cakes, cookies, candy-filled chocolate boxes and yule logs.

More than 300 high school students from across the region toured the School of Hospitality and viewed the Food Show, which featured final projects from a variety of culinary arts and baking and pastry arts classes.

Food Show entries were judged by hospitality professionals who awarded prizes in each class and named Rachel M. Emmons, of Washington, N.J., the Chef Eugene Mattucci Best of Show Award winner for a two-tier cake she created in the Cakes and Decorations course. The late Mattucci owned Mattucci's Italian Restaurant in Mount Carmel and was a longtime advisory committee member and Food Show judge at Penn College.

Judges for 2009 were Mary Gajda, general manager of the Victoria House and Vic's Pub in Lewisburg; Phil Gajda, owner/executive chef at the Victoria House and Vic's Pub; Jim Miller '07, sous chef for Sodexo at Lycoming College and a 2007 Penn College graduate; and Kyle Murphy, sous chef at Elizabeth's An American Bistro in Lewisburg.

Other winners and their hometowns are:

This chocolate house, created by Emily M. Mead, of Lanesboro, captured first place in the Principles of Chocolate Works category at the recent Penn College Food Show.Advanced Garde MangerFirst place: Adam R. Rudisill, of New Oxford, and Casandra E. Balch, of Abbottstown; second place: Michelle D. Mierwald, of State College, and Nicole M. Bilinski, of Catawissa; third place: Elaine F. Gardner, of Spring City, and Ashley K. Foreman, of Wellsboro; honorable mention: Justin P. Albert, of Trout Run.

Artistic Buffet DecorationFirst place: William "Brady" West, of Wyomissing (tallow sculpture); second place: Chris W. Stokoe, of Hatfield (salt dough sculpture); third place: West and Jeffrey S. Byron, of Milford, Conn. (ice sculpture); honorable mention: Albert N. DeNault, of Dalton, and Christopher J. Harris, of Bloomsburg (ice sculpture); and West (salt dough sculpture).

Cakes and DecorationsFirst place (and Best of Show): Rachel M. Emmons, of Washington, N.J.; second place: Kristina C. Dalsey, of Blue Bell; third place: Sarah J. Owen, of Lewisburg, and Brittany M. DeLousia, of Brackney; honorable mention: Amy N. Elicker, of East Berlin; Fallon M. Meeker, of Spring Mills; and Danyelle L. Haywood, of Williamsport.

Classical and Specialty Dessert PresentationFirst place: Gabrielle E. Bricker, of Etters; second place: Brittany M. Ellis, of Muncy; third place: Allison Kay Myers, of State College; honorable mention: Chelsea A. Igo, of State College; Elizabeth McLenigan, of Lock Haven; and Christina G. Kramkowski, of Warriors Mark.

Classical Cuisines of the WorldFirst place: Albert N. DeNault, of Dalton; second place: Daniel R. Moyer, of Winfield; third place: Chris W. Stokoe, of Hatfield; honorable mention: William "Brady" West, of Wyomissing, and Marco G. Romano, of Danville.

Principles of Chocolate WorksFirst place: Emily M. Mead, of Lanesboro; second place: Allison Kay Myers, of State College; third place: Samantha L. Liedtka, of Lock Haven, and Gabrielle E. Bricker, of Etters; honorable mention: Abigail L. Schuler, of Waynesboro.

Sugar ArtFirst place: William "Brady" West, of Wyomissing; second place: Shannon N. Stalfort, of Williamsport; third place: Andrea M. Hamilton, of Shunk.

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

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