GTCC students honored by Culinary Federation

The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·1 min read

Feb. 21—GUILFORD COUNTY — Three 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.

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

Tith, a sophomore 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 spirit award honors the memory of Pitonzo, a culinary student at GTCC who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Seamans, also a member of the 2023 Knowledge Bowl team, won the President's Award, awarded to those who demonstrate dedication and commitment to the local chapter. Seamans also will 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.

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.