Manahawkin Twins Overcome Adversity, Earn Culinary Degrees

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Twin sisters Amy and Danna Jimenez, first-generation college students from Manahawkin, graduated from Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts on May 21, 2026, after stepping away from the program for a year and later returning to finish their studies, the college announced in a news release.

The sisters began at Atlantic Cape in 2023 and 2024 after developing an interest in cooking through their grandmother and continuing that interest at Ocean County Vocational Technical High School in Brick Township. During their first semesters, they competed in several student events, including the MRE Culinary Challenge, Wing Wars and the Iron Student Chef Competition. Amy also received a $500 scholarship at the 24th Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Food & Wine Scholarship Reception in 2023.

Chef Joseph Sheridan, director of the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, said the sisters stood out early.

“From the moment they arrived, Amy and Danna showed great promise. They were polite, enthusiastic, eager to get involved, and quickly became well-liked by both their classmates and the Academy faculty,” said Sheridan.

According to the college, Amy and Danna became active in the Culinary Student Association and the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey. Together with Alyssa Pietropaolo, they also organized a March 2024 visit to the Ocean County Vocational Technical School, where they conducted culinary demonstrations for more than 100 students.

After receiving their second-year culinary coats and toques in October 2024, the sisters temporarily paused their studies and took a gap year. The college said they persevered through domestic violence in their family home and both dealt with PTSD and mental health struggles.

“That year was a huge struggle for me. I was so angry all the time wondering why this even happened to me. I worked so hard. I got good grades. I didn't complain and I tried to make a positive impact. There was a deeper meaning to this that took a long time to understand. A season of not knowing what I wanted to do after I graduated. I felt scared and I felt lost,” said Amy Jimenez.

“During that year off I had a lot of time to heal, grow and further my career. I worked in restaurants and learned many skills. This made me stronger and pushed me to keep going. No matter what happened in the past I didn’t let it define me. Instead, it built me into the person I am today,” said Danna Jimenez.

Sheridan said the sisters returned for the Fall 2025 semester and quickly resumed their work.

“They resumed their studies with determination, worked hard, excelled in the classroom and kitchen, continued participating in extracurricular activities, and completed their culinary studies in May,” said Sheridan.

Before graduating, Amy and Danna also held leadership roles in the Culinary Students Association. During the ACA Medals Ceremony on May 20, Amy received a silver medal and Danna received a bronze medal for culinary academic achievement.

“Their story is a testament to perseverance, commitment and the power of keeping a promise to yourself,” Sheridan said.