CELEBRATING OUR CLASS OF 2023!
On Sunday June 4, much joy was shared celebrating the achievements of our Class of 2023! At the Graduation Ceremony, held at the beautiful Fleck Marquee at the Stratford Festival Theatre, Graduation Diplomas were granted, and Achievement Awards were handed out to some of our returning Level 2 Students and members of the Graduating Class. The celebration continued with bubbles and canapés shared with friends, family, alumni and faculty.
Congratulations Grads on completing the Program, all your hard work, dedication and many achievements! We look forward to keeping in touch and hearing your success stories.
Stratford Chefs School 2023 Graduates
Isabel Abela-Martins
Michael Cormier-Hazen
Mary Delorme
Fox D’hondt
Alexander Dzongowski
Jonathon Farrell (Valedictorian)
Jack Fries
Piper Hartley-Hystad
Madison Lebold
Edan Lister-Stevens
Nathan Nieuwoudt
Owen Pearson
Danica Séguin
VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS | JONATHON FARRELL
“The intersection of education, hospitality and passion at which the SCS Staff live and work is phenomenal, and the dedication and care that they each bring to every aspect of their role at the Chefs School is the reason that this institution is so special.
I’ve learned so very much about this industry and about life while I’ve been here, but the biggest lesson I will take away from any of this is the importance of giving a damn.
All of you give a damn, and it has changed lives at this place since 1983
.”
–Jonathon Farrell
All of you give a damn, and it has changed lives at this place since 1983
Photos by Terry Manzo
Presentation of Scholarships to 2023 Level 1 Students
BMO Scholarship | Outstanding Achievement | L1 Overall | Rebecca Luscombe
T. Kent Calhoun Memorial Scholarship | Outstanding Achievement in L1 Cookery | Nicole Teal
Garland Canada a Welbilt Company Scholarship | Outstanding Achievement in L1 Commodities | Anthony Vander Laan
Timothy D. Leaney Memorial Scholarship | Award for Positivity and Commitment to Learning | Mathieu Mancini
Gushue Belanger Spirit of Hospitality Scholarship | Sam Peggs
IODE Festival Jubilee Chapter Scholarship in honour of Victoria Noble | Greer Rhodes-Marriott
Lindsay Reid Memorial Scholarship | Outstanding Achievement in L1 Pastry | Isaac White
Akeela Rabley Scholarship | Award for Perseverance | Meteisha Weickert
Joseph Hoare Gastronomic Writer in Residence | Scholarship for Writing | Anthony Vander Laan
Presentation of 2023 Awards to Graduates
BMO Award for Commitment to Industry & Academic Achievement | Jonathon Farrell
Elizabeth Baird Award for Excellence in Lab Cookery | Edan Lister-Stevens
Elizabeth Baird Award for Excellence in Lab Cookery | Mary Delorme
Mark Brown | Lady Glaze Doughnuts Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pastry | Jack Fries
Nigel & Ruth Howard Award Outstanding Achievement | Final Business Project | Team Caso do Galo: Isabel Abela-Martins | Mary Delorme | Nathan Nieuwoudt
Eleanor Kane Award for Outstanding Achievement | Gastronomy | Jonathon Farrell
Christopher John Sinopoli Memorial Award | Outstanding Achievement | Larder | Alex Dzongowski
SCS Award for Excellence in Wine Theory & Service | Outstanding Achievement in Wine | Jonathon Farrell
Victoria Allman Memorial Award | Danica Seguin
Randi Rudner Award for Women in Leadership | Piper Hartley-Hystad
CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!
OPEN KITCHEN Cooking Classes
There is an Open Kitchen class for every interest this summer! Choose from a variety of hands-on sessions that include Home ‘Hacks’, Inspired by Mexico,Quick Meals for Busy People, a new Trade Secrets class dedicated to exploring the versatility of Eggs, or fun Kids Can Cook!Classes offered on Sundays in July and September.
Classes are limited to 12 participants each and sell out quickly – reserve your favourites online now!
Chef Instructor: ELI SILVERTHORNE
“When I decided to be a chef, I made it a goal to pick the best culinary school in the country to build a solid foundation. I chose the Stratford Chefs School, mostly for its reputation for producing talent, for its intense training program, and for the intimate student – teacher ratio. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am in my career without the connections I made and the skills that I learned there.”
Carl Heinrich | Executive Chef and Co-owner, Richmond Station, Toronto | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2005 | Top Chef Canada 2012
“The Stratford Chefs School provides the training to create world-class chefs who are comfortable working in any kitchen environment. Its immersive, approachable, interactive curriculum provided me with the tools and confidence that I needed early on in my career to make the transition from the school setting to the workforce. Perhaps most important to me are the lasting friendships that were made, the ongoing support from the SCS community, and exciting collaborations with other alumni.”
Alondra Galvez | Owner/Chef, El Cactus Taco Shop | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2003
“At the Chefs School, I was given the opportunity to challenge myself, and expand the limits of my culinary skill and knowledge. SCS gave me the ability to trust in my own skill and allowed me to expand my knowledge. Now I confidently pass that skill and knowledge to my students.”
Mel Athulathmudali | Teacher, Strata Montessori | Owner, Chef Mel Catering | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2016
QUESTIONS? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or email Admissions at: admissions@stratfordchef.com
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)