Two Greene County students will get the opportunity to compete nationally in the culinary arts next month.
Greene County High School senior Jackie Hawthorne and junior Kama Lenchanko were each crowned state champions at the SkillsUSA competition. Hawthrone took home first place in restaurant service and Lenchanko won for commercial baking. Last year, Lenchanko placed third at the state contest in the same category and he talks about why he chose to compete in it again.
“I really just started freshman year and I was baking and then I kind of moved on from there. Then Carhill asked if I wanted to do Skills(USA) and I accepted. I really liked it so I did it again. This year I actually wanted to do culinary but Carhill said I should do baking instead of culinary. Next year I think I’ll do that one (culinary).”
As for Hawthrone, she is a three-time state champion and national qualifier for restaurant service. She talks about one area that was a concern for her last year at nationals to improve on this year.
“Last year I really struggled with wines. As an 18-year-old that’s not something that I’m very knowledgeable in right now. But I did get a job that has a lot to do with it and that’s something that we’re going to try and hit hard on this year.”
She adds that she placed in the top 15 last year and this year, would like to win the entire competition. Hawthrone plans on pursuing a career in the hospitality art program at Iowa Central Community College.
Instructor Donna Carhill says all of the competitions were intense. For Lenchanko, Carhill says he had to make: yeast bread, bake cookies, bake some pastries and decorate a cake. Hawthrone had to carry out a fine dining experience and some of the tasks included: setting a 17-piece table setting, take and carry out a meal order and serve beverages and food. She is extremely proud of Lenchanko and Hawthrone for qualifying for nationals in her last year as an educator.
The National SkillsUSA contest takes place in Louisville, Kentucky from June 25th through the 29th.