A Testament to Talent, Hard Work, and Opportunity
The Academy Charter School celebrates the remarkable achievements of our scholars, whose dedication and talent have once again brought pride to our school community. At the recent America’s Best High School Chef competition, hosted by Monroe College’s Culinary Arts Institute of New York, two of our eleventh-grade scholars, Quintin Davis and Danna Estrada, showcased exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Competing against 48 students from 10 Career and Technical Education (CTE) high schools, they represented our school with grace and resilience.
A special congratulations to Quintin, who received top honors at the America’s Best High School Chef competition, as Danna advanced to the second round and secured a spot in the top 16! While neither scholar made it to the top four this year, their performance was nothing short of inspiring. Competing against renowned programs like Food and Finance High School and August Martin High School is no small feat, and their ability to hold their own speaks volumes about their potential. As our school’s first participants in this competition, Quintin and Danna have set a strong foundation for future success. Danna, in particular, has already expressed her determination to return next year with her sights set on victory—a testament to her unwavering drive and ambition.
Their achievements extend beyond the competition. Both Quintin and Danna have been awarded $4,000 college scholarships per semester, totaling $32,000 toward their future studies at Monroe College. This incredible opportunity not only recognizes their talent but also provides a pathway for them to further hone their skills and pursue their dreams in the culinary arts.
We are equally proud of Jaidyn Thomas, a senior scholar who continues to shine as a student-athlete, Student Council member, and dedicated culinary arts student. Jaidyn’s recent third-place finish in the ProStart Competition, hosted by the National Restaurant Association, is a testament to her talent, leadership, and commitment to excellence. She competed against 30 other junior chefs where she was recognized in the Top 3. With a 3.2 GPA and an impressive list of accomplishments, she has already secured acceptance to Morgan State University and SUNY Albany, solidifying her path toward a bright and promising future. Jaidyn embodies the spirit of perseverance and achievement that we strive to instill in all our scholars.
These successes are not just individual triumphs—they are a reflection of the collective effort of our educators, mentors, and the entire school community. They remind us of the importance of providing opportunities for our scholars to explore their passions, develop their skills, and compete on larger stages. Programs like our CTE Culinary Arts initiative are more than just pathways to careers; they are platforms for students to discover their potential, build confidence, and achieve greatness.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Culinary Arts faculty: Dr. Wilhoite, Chef Pagano, and Chef Wang for their unwavering dedication, time, and effort in mentoring and guiding these scholars throughout their academic journeys in the CTE Program here at the Academy. Your commitment to nurturing their growth and potential has been instrumental in their success, and we are deeply appreciative of your invaluable contributions.
As we celebrate Quintin, Danna, and Jaidyn, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting and nurturing the talents of all our scholars. Their achievements remind us that with hard work, determination, and the right opportunities, our students can excel in any field they choose. Let us continue to invest in their futures, celebrate their successes, and inspire them to reach even greater heights.
Congratulations to our scholars – your achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for us all!
