NGTC Culinary Arts Students, Atlanta Chefs Association Recognized Teacher

For the third year in a row, the Atlanta Chefs Association has named a North Georgia Technical College student its Student Chef of the Year. Diane Rucker of Hartwell was honored at the American Culinary Federation Atlanta Chefs Association (ACF-ACA) Presidential Gala in Atlanta.

Chefs Alexander Bladowski and Christopher Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructors, serve as treasurer and first vice president, respectively, of the ACF-ACA chapter. They won the Presidential Award for their dedication to education in Georgia and their outstanding service to the chapter.

“It is a testament to their dedication and leadership that Christopher and Alexander Bladowski received the Presidential Award. Additionally, Diane Rucker’s recognition as Student of the Year highlights her hard work and exceptional commitment to her future career,” said Christy Bivins, NGTC dean of academic affairs.

NGTC culinary arts students Ramon Fuentes of Alto, along with Victor Sharpe and Christina Smith, both of Mount Airy, helped Rucker prepare a four-course meal for the May 10 gala at the Golf Club of Ansley. They worked alongside the club’s executive chef, Shannon Farmer and Christopher Bladowski.

“On the moon”

The ACA Presidential Gala is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of professional chefs and culinary artists.

“It was an incredible evening,” said Alexander Bladowski. “Chris and I were completely blindsided by the great honor of receiving the Presidential Award. Diane Rucker has worked several events with the chapter over the past several years, and I am delighted that she has been recognized for her academic achievements and community involvement.

Bladowski said NGTC culinary arts students and graduates are gaining an “excellent reputation” among North Georgia chefs and employers, adding that they receive “requests for our students from the best restaurants in Atlanta.”