Lincoln-Way East Alum Wins National Student Chef Award

FRANKFORT, IL — Caitlyn Drzyzga, a 2020 graduate of Lincoln-Way East, has been named the 2023 American Culinary Federation National Student Chef after competing at the highest level in the national student championships, according to a release from the District.

Drzyzga attends Joliet Junior College in their culinary school, the District said. While she was always drawn to the kitchen and loved cooking at home, it was not until she toured JJC and participated in their ‘Chef for a Day’ program that she knew she wanted to make it her career, according to a release.

“We were so impressed with her drive and determination during her first year, that we asked her if she would like to compete and represent JJC in the national student championships," Chef Michael McGreal, department chair for the Culinary Arts Management Department at JJC, said in a release. "Caitlyn not only accepted this challenge, but spent countless hours practicing and refining her techniques, her recipes, and the amazing dishes she prepared for the panel of master chef judges.”

"Receiving this award was so incredible. Not only did it make the countless hours of work worth it, but it validated that this is what I should be doing," Drzyzga said in a release. "I learned so much in the process, and I am so grateful for the opportunity that I got to compete."

Drzyzga said in a release that she would like to continue her education beyond the culinary program, and eventually take business classes in order to open her own restaurant one day.