Hartwell Culinary Arts Student Named Student Chef of the Year
Student of the Year Award (pictured, L to R): Chef Alexander Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructor; Chef Christopher Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructor; Diane Rucker, NGTC culinary arts student; and Chef Danny Cerqueda, ACF-ACA president.
Diane Rucker, a Hartwell culinary arts student at North Georgia Technical College was recently named Student Chef of the Year at the American Culinary Federation / Atlanta Chefs Association’s Presidential Gala held at Ansley Golf Club in Atlanta.
The prestigious award to a culinary arts student marks the third consecutive year a North Georgia Technical College student has received the honor.
Additionally, Chefs Alexander and Christopher Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructors, both earned the Presidential Award for their dedication to education in Georgia and outstanding service to the chapter.
NGTC culinary arts students Ramon Fuentes of Alto, Ga., Victor Sharpe of Mount Airy, Ga., Christina Smith of Mount Airy, Ga., and Rucker assisted with preparing a four-course meal for the event alongside Ansley Golf Club Executive Chef Shannon Farmer and Chef Christopher Bladowski.
Christopher Bladowski currently serves as first vice president of the ACF-ACA chapter, while Alexander Bladowski serves as treasurer.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements at the Atlanta Chefs Association’s Presidential Gala,” said Christy Bivins, NGTC dean of academic affairs. “Christopher and Alexander Bladowski’s receipt of the Presidential Award is a testament to their dedication and leadership. Additionally, Diane Rucker’s recognition as Student of the Year highlights her hard work and exceptional commitment to her future career. Christopher and Alexander’s roles in the ACF demonstrate our students’ significant impact on the culinary community, and their volunteer efforts and passion for the profession exemplify the values NGTC strives to instill in our students.”
Chef Alexander Bladowski said he and Chris were completely blindsided by the great honor of receiving the Presidential Award and he and Chris were over the moon at Rucker’s award.
He also noted that they often receive specific requests from top restaurants in the region for their culinary arts students.
For more information regarding the culinary arts program or other programs at NGTC, visit northgatech.edu or call 706-754-7700.