A pair of Lorain County Joint Vocational School culinary students nab second place in a virtual baking competition
Two students in the culinary arts program entered the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America's National Virtual Baking and Pastry competition. In January, the two conquered obstacles brought about by COVID-19 and were awarded second place honors.
Alex Pruchnicki and Kali Seddon recently competed in a National Virtual Baking and Pastry competition, organized by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). The team had two hours and forty-five minutes to complete four recipes, all video-recorded to be submitted virtually due to the pandemic. The pandemic also created additional obstacles as the team sought a kitchen in which to prepare their entries. In the end, with mentorship from Lorain County Joint Vocational School's Culinary Arts instructor, Chef Timothy Michitsch, Pruchnicki and Seddon pulled it off and won second place in the national competition.
In a release from LCJVS, the two students and their professor talked about the competition, the hurdles they overcame, and what the duo learned in the process. Because of COVID-19, LCJVS was on a completely remote schedule, which meant that Pruchnicki and Seddon had to find a professional-grade kitchen to use. Fortunately, Pruchnicki's employer, NEMO Grille, stepped up and allowed the students to use the facilities at the restaurant. Chef Michitsch expressed his gratitude for the generosity, "We truly thank Chef Jen for the support," adding, "I can't even begin to express how proud I am of these two students for completing this competition with all of the obstacles they encountered along the way."
With the location for the baking selected, Pruchnicki and Seddon set about arranging the recording of their entry. Contestants were tasked with completing four recipes in the allotted time. They prepared a quick bread, choux pastry, cookie and shaped yeast bread. After learning that they placed second, both students reflected on their experiences and how LCJVS prepared them, "Because of my JVS class I have learned multi-tasking and teamwork skills," Seddon said.
Pruchnicki added, "I knew this was going to be a challenge and would push me out of my comfort zone, but I was excited to take it on. I learned so many new skills that I know will help me further my culinary career."