Monday, June 30, 2014

2014 SkillsUSA results



We are extremely proud to announce the results from the 2014 SkillsUSA National Awards Ceremony held in Kansas City at Kemper Arena on Friday, June 27.

Chormaic Sullivan, 2014 Rock Bridge High School graduate placed first in the SkillsUSA Culinary Arts competition. Austin Scoles, 2014 Rock Bridge High School graduate placed second in the SkillsUSA Commercial Baking competition.


Sullivan is the fourth Missouri student to win the Culinary Arts competition. State contests began in March and the national contest was held Thursday, June 26 at Bartle Hall in Kansas City. Students from most of the 50 states, as well as Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico participated. "We were extrememly excited, but not surprised by Chormaic's outcome. He has spent countless hours throughout the last three years honing his skills, " said Brook Harlan, CACC Culinary Arts Instructor.

Chormaic was awarded with a full four-year scholarship to one of the country’s top culinary schools. He will continue his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. 

"I couldn't be more proud of our two students. I am so impressed with Austin's continued efforts over the last two years to focus on the improvements needed to be successful. He has sacrificed a huge amount of his time for an opportunity to show off just how hard he has worked. I am so proud of him and cannot wait to watch  im grow as a pastry chef," said Chef Carri Risner, CACC Culinary Arts Instructor.

Austin was awarded partial scholarship to one of the country's top culinary schools. He will continue his education at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, NC.

The two competitors practiced for the entire year with Chefs Brook Harlan, Carri Risner, Jeff Rayl, John Minor and Katie Frink of the Cunlinary Arts Program at Columbia Area Career Center. The five chefs were in agreement that the success of their students was also based on the support of  CACC's adminstration and the Columbia community.  "Since starting the program seventeen years ago we have grown tremendously. It is wonderful to have won the national culinary contest four out of the last five years, " Chef Jeff Rayl, CACC Culinary Arts instructor added. In regards to Sullivan, "this championship is a product of his hardwork and perseverance over the last three years."

Chormaic, Austin, and the Chef Instructors would like to thank everyone for their support throughout their road to Nationals. We would not be able to fund the practice sessions and make the trip to the competition without the Culinary Program supporters.

Chormaic Sullivan and Austin Scoles
Chef Katie Frink, Chef John Minor, Chormaic Sullivan, Austin Scoles, Chef Carri Risner, Chef Jeff Rayl and Chef  Brook Harlan

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Career Center students earn NCRC Credential



Continuing our commitment to empower individuals to achieve career and academic success, be vital to the educational and economic growth of our community and become a national leader in career and technical education,  169 junior and senior career center students took the WorkKeys assessments to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). As part of the emerging workforce, their participation helps to move Boone County 53% closer to their goal of 360 NCRC certificates needed to become a Certified Work ReadyCommunity. The NCRC is an evidence-based, nationally recognized credential that certifies essential skills important for workplace success.  Certificates are awarded at 4 levels, Bronze, Silver, Gold, & Platinum, based on scores in Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information, & Locating Information. Of the 169 participating students 3 earned Platinum status, 77 earned Gold status, 69 earned silver status and 17 earned Bronze. Each test costs $18 and was paid for by a generous donation from REDI, Columbia Chamber of Commerce and CORE.  Boone County has 58 employers who recognize the NCRC and more are signing up. Businesses interested in learning more about NCRC  should contact Bernie Andrews at BernieAndrews@columbiaredi.com