Culinary Student Wins Bronze in National Competition

July 13, 2016 dbobo Blog
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Jefferson State Culinary Student Joy Phillips (on stage, second from left) recently placed third in the nation during the SkillsUSA National Championship.

Jefferson State Culinary Student Joy Phillips recently placed third during the SkillsUSA National Championship. Phillips is the first culinary arts competitor from Alabama to earn a position in the national SkillsUSA event.

The annual SkillsUSA Championship is a showcase of career and technical education students from all over the United States. Contest begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 15,000 students, teachers and business partners participate in the week-long event.

The four-hour culinary competition included meat fabrication, knife cuts and preparation of a salad course, soup course, and two entrées. Contestants were rated on organization, knife skills, cooking techniques, creative presentation, sanitation food safety techniques, and above all the quality and flavor of their prepared items.

2016 06 24-KY Louisville SkillsUSA (8)-001“We are so proud of Joy and of how well she competed at the national competition,” said Director of Jefferson State’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute Joseph Mitchell. “Joy is a phenomenal student who excels in all areas of Jefferson State’s Culinary Program. She brings a professional work ethic and attitude to both the classroom and kitchen every day.”

Phillips, of Odenville, attends the Shelby-Hoover Campus and maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA.

SkillsUSA is devoted to preparing students for postsecondary learning and careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations. Nationally, it serves over 300,000 high school, college, and professional members. Alabama has more than 10,000 high school and college members.

Current national statistics indicate the average salary for certified executive chefs exceed more than $75,000 annually.Joy Phillips - Photo 2

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