For the third consecutive year, the Atlanta Chefs Association named a North Georgia Technical College student its Student Chef of the Year. Diane Rucker of Hartwell was honored at the American Culinary Federation Atlanta Chefs Association (ACF-ACA) Presidential Gala in Atlanta.
NGTC culinary arts instructors Chefs Alexander Bladowski and Christopher Bladowski serve as treasurer and first vice-president of the ACF-ACA chapter, respectively. They earned the Presidential Award for their dedication to education in Georgia and outstanding service to the chapter.
“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,” says NGTC Dean of Academic Affairs Christy Bivins.
NGTC culinary arts students Ramon Fuentes of Alto and Victor Sharpe and Christina Smith, both of Mount Airy, assisted Rucker with preparing a four-course meal for the gala on May 10 at the Ansley Golf Club. They worked alongside the club’s executive chef Shannon Farmer and Christopher Bladowski.
‘Over the moon’
The ACA Presidential Gala is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of professional chefs and culinary artists.
“This was an amazing night,” said Alexander Bladowski. “Chris and I were completely blindsided by the great honor of receiving the Presidential Award. Diane Rucker worked several events with the chapter over the last few years, and I am over the moon that she was recognized for her academic achievements and community outreach.”
Bladowski said NGTC’s culinary arts students and graduates are gaining an “excellent reputation” among the chefs and employers in North Georgia, adding that they receive “requests for our students from top restaurants in Atlanta.”
