Riverwood Students Win Culinary Scholarships

From Fulton County Schools: Three Riverwood International Charter School (RICS) students recently received scholarships to three culinary schools, at any location of their choice. Senior Julia Dias and sophomores Silvia Diaz and Christel Wallace were presented with these scholarships by the Family, Community and Career Leadership of America (FCCLA), a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth and leadership opportunities to young men and women. The awards include:

$1,000 to the Culinary Institute of America

$500 to the Art Institute

$500 to Johnson and Wales University

Riverwood Head Culinary Arts Instructor and FCCLA Advisor Elissa Oliver expressed her delight at her students’ achievements, “I am SO proud! These girls worked so hard.”

The students are a part of the culinary arts career pathway at RICS, a track that allows students to advance in their knowledge over four years of classes through hands-on skills training, field trips, guest presenters and unique classroom experiences. Oliver reports that her three star students accompany her on all the field trips, participate with guest chefs and travel with her for FCCLA events.

Coming off a major win at the FCCLA State Hot Food Culinary Competition, March 9 – 11 at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown Atlanta, Julia, Silvia and Christel took home silver medals for their outstanding menu and culinary creations. Judges awarded points for flavor, presentation, safety and sanitation.

With 98 members, Riverwood boasts the largest FCCLA chapter in Georgia’s Region 4, one of nine FCCLA regions statewide. Chef Oliver was chosen to represent Region 4 as a lead on the committee to revise the guidelines and rubrics for the Georgia FCCLA Culinary Arts competitions. Under Oliver, the Riverwood Culinary Arts students participate in a wide variety of activities both in-house and in the community. Riverwood Culinary students gain real-world experience that prepares them for careers in the hospitality industry. Students who satisfactorily complete the program and associated exams receive ServSafe® certification, the National Restaurant Association’s industry standard certification for responsible food service measures.

Image via Fulton County Schools