Congratulations to young Columbia chefs

One of the coolest things about Columbia is the Career Center's Culinary Arts Program for high school students. Recently two of those students placed fantastically well in national competition, one first place and one second place, the highest ever achieved by Missouri students.

Most local readers probably already learned this from other sources, but I wanted to post it here as well to brag to out-of-towners and to continue the well-earned accolades for all involved. It's a source of real pride that our area can continue to develop excellent chefs with good connections to local foods; the folks at CACC have always been strong supporters of local farmers and the market. Many graduates at this program have moved on to real jobs in Columbia and elsewhere, just the kind of thing that proper education should result in.

From the Tribune:

Rachel Koppelman, who graduated from Rock Bridge earlier this month, earned first in the nation in the Skills USA Culinary Arts section. She earns a full-ride scholarship to her choice of the following schools: Culinary Institute of America, Johnson and Wales University, New England Culinary Institute, or Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America.

Meghan Hardman, who will be a senior at Rock Bridge, placed second in the Commercial Baking category. She likely will receive many scholarship offers, Harlan said.

Show Me Eats has the original announcement.

Our thorough congratulations to everyone involved.