01.27.2009 --
On Tuesday, DC Central Kitchen celebrated the graduation of our 73rd Culinary Job Training Class. The graduates stood proud and tall in their brand new chefs coats as they walked on stage at the Marriott Metro Center.
The majority of the graduates are now employed, after having completed our rigorous 12 week curiculum. During the training program, the students received solid education not only in the culinary arts but in computer literacy, job hunting, and life skills.
During the course of the program, the class helped produce over a quarter of a million meals for social service agencies in the city; giving important service to the community at the same time they worked to better their own lives.
The trainees also played an important role in our annual fundraiser, the Capital Food Fight, and helped prepare cookies for the inauguration of President Obama. Kitchen founder Robert Egger praised graduate Curtis Cunningham for sharing his story of triumph over adversity with National Public Radio during coverage of the inauguration. "This was a story that America badly needed to hear...of someone who was incarcerated, but turned his life around when given the opportunity and the tools to succeed," said Egger.
Their successes were also a great introduction to the program for the students of the incoming class, who were present at graduation to see "the joy on the other side" of the difficult endeavor they have begun.
Many thanks go to Marriott, a longtime partner of DCCK who generously sponsored the duration of the 73rd class. Marriott's own veteran chef Kathleen Wellington gave the keynote speech, reminding graduates of the continued committment it would take to succeed in their careers and inspiring them to continue learning every day.
We are so very proud, and hope you will share in our joy.
