Trio of GTCC culinary students, four graduates honored by the Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation
Published on: February 20, 2024
JAMESTOWN, N.C. (February 20, 2024) – Three current Guilford Technical Community College students along with four former GTCC students were recently honored by the Triad Chapter of the American Culinary Federation at the organization’s annual Chef’s Ball.
GTCC culinary students Chunlee Tith, Ila Seamons, and Bryson Nicoletta were all recognized at the event for their achievements. The four GTCC alumni honored during the ball included GTCC culinary instructor Daryl Pobanz, John Wilson, Plamen Marinov, and Stephanie Strucinski.
GTCC sophomore Tith, a member of the college’s 2023 national championship Knowledge Bowl team, was named Student Chef of the Year and captured the Jesse Pitonzo Spirit Award. He will compete in the southeast regional qualifier for National Student Chef of the Year in April.
The Jesse Pitonzo Spirit Award honors the memory of Pitonzo, a culinary student at GTCC who was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
"I am so excited to once again bring back the ACF Triad Chapter Chef’s Ball and Awards banquet so that we can recognize the great accomplishments of our members and the industry leaders for the Triad hospitality industry,” shared Keith Gardner ACF Triad Chapter president and GTCC culinary professor. “We were able to honor the top chefs, pastry chef, culinary educator, industry partner, and even establish a new award to honor the memory of Jesse Pitonzo and the selfless service he provided to those around him."
Seamans, also a member of the 2023 national championship Knowledge Bowl team, was presented with the President’s Award, awarded each year to those who provide their unconditional dedication and commitment to the local chapter members and community. Seamans will also compete in the southeast regional qualifier for the national student pastry chef of the year. Nicoletta was also named a recipient of the President’s Award.
“We’re honored to see so many of our students, alumni, and instructors recognized at this prestigious event,” shared GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D. “GTCC is known in the community and across the country for being a leader in the culinary industry, so it’s exciting to see so many of the program’s graduates excelling in the Triad culinary community and beyond.”
Pobanz, an adjunct instructor at GTCC and director of culinary training providence programs at Providence Culinary Training, was selected as the chapter’s educator of the year. Wilson, owner and chef at Sophie’s Cork & Ale, received the chef’s professionalism award. Marinov, chef at Advanced Gourmet Equipment and Design, and Strucinski, a chef/instructor at Providence Culinary Training, were honored with the President’s Award.
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