It was all tears of joy flowing from Antonesha Thompson as she heard her name called for winning the top spot in the Senior High School National Young Chef Division last Friday. The awards ceremony, which took place at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel Ballroom, was the culmination of a series of competitions which began last year November, among students in New Providence and the Family Islands. Thompson, a student of C.R. Walker Senior High School, stole the judges’ hearts with her winning dishes, “Mahatma Rice Stormy Knights” and “Robin Hood Tropical Clouds”. Her first place finish over the other nine competitors awarded her a $1,750 scholarship and gold medal. Thompson said she owes every ounce of gratitude to her mother, her teacher Ms. Rachelle Strachan, and Chef Elijah Bowe from Graycliff Restaurant. She exclaimed that “the hard work really paid off”.
“I spent many nights without sleep, or maybe only two to three hours of sleep. I would go to school and do my work, and then practice during the nights for long hours. I had to find the time to balance it all out.” said Thompson.
Landing in 2nd position for the senior division was Alissa Swain representing Patrick J. Bethel High School in Abaco. She received a $1,000 scholarship and silver medal. Right behind her in 3rd position was Delcardo Sweeting from St. George’s High School in Grand Bahama, who received a $550 scholarship and a bronze medal. Taking fourth position was Tatianna Major from Old Bight High School in Cat Island. She received a $350 scholarship.
Striking gold for the Junior Division was Kristen Ingraham from Preston Albury High School in Eleuthera. The junior champ secured $650 and a gold medal. Coming in 2nd was Kendra Estil of D.W. Davis Junior High School. She was awarded with $450 and a silver medal. Snatching the 3rd and 4th positions were Sierra Turnquest from NGM Major High in Long Island and Sarah Braynen from East End Junior High in Grand Bahama. They received $300 and $150 respectively.
One of the competition’s judges Chef Gerald Rolle in bringing remarks touted the efforts of this year’s participants, noting that the dishes prepared composed “a burst of flavour!” The Sous Chef De Cuisine commended the young chefs for their ingenuity exhibited over the last few days and the innovative ways in which they incorporated indigenous foods into their products. Chef Rolle said he is anticipating what next year will bring.
Asa H. Pritchard Ltd. is the chief sponsor of the Bahamas Young Chef Competitions.
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