ANNUAL KATHY TESTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP CULINARY COMPETITION
Congratulations to this years participants and winners!
The Kathy Testa Memorial Challenge Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support aspiring professionals in the culinary field by providing financial assistance for essential academic expenses, including tuition, supplies, textbooks, and various fees. This scholarship is awarded through a competitive culinary challenge that showcases each participant’s skill, creativity, and time management. As part of the competition, each contestant is required to plan, prepare, and present a complete culinary experience by crafting both a salad and an entrée, with enough portions to serve three individuals. The entire task must be completed within a strict two-hour time limit, testing not only the technical ability of the participants but also their ability to perform under pressure and deliver high-quality dishes within a professional setting.
First place was awarded to Chris Medhurst who is in his third semester at the College of DuPage pursuing degrees in Culinary Arts and Culinology & Food Science. Second place was awarded to Gwendolyn Papake. She plans to graduate with an A.A.S in Culinary Arts and Culinology & Food Science.
This year, we had the honor of having the first ever Kathy Testa Memorial Scholarship Culinary Competition winner as a judge! Patrice Meyer – who is now the Culinary Director at Blackberry Market, won the first ever competition when she was in school! She is a culinary enthusiast and College of Dupage alumna! We asked her some questions about her journey and how the competition helped her get where she is today!
Can you take us back to the moment you first discovered your passion for cooking?
Absolutely. My passion for cooking was deeply influenced by my grandparents. Growing up, we had Sunday dinners that brought the entire family together, and those gatherings made it clear to me that food was more than just a meal—it was a way to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. From a young age, I would put on playful “cooking shows” for my family, which was my own way of sharing that love. While I haven’t explored actual television yet, those early experiences truly sparked a lifelong passion for the culinary arts.
What inspired you to enter the competition in the first place?
My primary motivation for entering the competition was to challenge myself and determine whether I truly had the skill and potential to pursue a career in culinary arts. Since this would be a second career for me, I wanted to be confident that I was making the right decision. The opportunity to potentially earn a scholarship was an added incentive that could help support and validate that journey.
Were there any challenges you faced early on in your culinary journey?
My passion has always been to cook. As I got older, life took me in another direction for almost 10 years. My amazing husband, Tom, suggested that I pursue Culinary school and I jumped at the opportunity! However, because this was aimed to be my second career and having 2 small children at the time, it was going to take me time to complete the program. For me, the challenge was balancing school and family life at the same time.
What was the most memorable moment during the competition—for better or worse?
Would you believe that I remember that day so vividly? Down to how I plated my entree. The most memorable moment was when Mr. Testa was announcing the winners and in first place was “Patricia”. My whole life people have called me Patricia but I definitely did not put two and two together. I was looking around the students, as I was new and didn’t know anyone. Then I looked up at Chef David Kramer and he pointed at me and whispered “That’s you!”. I scrambled out of my chair so fast in a pure state of shock to shake Peter’s hand.
How did it feel to win, and how did that change your life afterward?
Incredible & surreal at the same time! It was so validating and gave me the motivation to try anything because you never know what will happen!
What was it like going from contestant to judge? Was it harder than you expected?
By going from contestant to judge, you are a bit more sympathetic to the contestants. You have been in their shoes and know how nervous they are! The urge to correct and nudge them in the right direction, can be overwhelming.
How do you approach judging—do you go by the book, or do you trust your instincts?
Honestly, it is a bit of both. I want the contestants to learn as they are going. So while some judges don’t correct or nudge the contestant in the right direction, I do. Of all the competitions I have judged, you learn to pick out the stand outs pretty quickly as well.
Do you ever see yourself in the contestants you now judge?
Yes! You can see the students or contestants that truly want to be in the industry and will dedicate themselves to become a great cook, baker, or chef. It is all I have ever wanted to do and you can feel it through their dishes that they submit.
What do you think separates a good cook from a great one?
Willingness to learn. This industry changes constantly and being able to adapt in the kitchen is vital.
What’s your favorite dish to cook when you’re not in the spotlight?
That is a great question! I love making soups. Also, any family recipes from when I was growing up. I love the nostalgia of it.
What advice would you give to young people, especially girls, who dream of a culinary career?
Women are changing this industry. A primarily male led kitchen is no longer the norm. So my advice would be to do it. Work hard, push yourself, try the unusual, and connect with fellow industry workers and you will succeed.
