The Chef Jeff Project Awards Aspiring Chef with Cerebral Palsy

Last fall, The Chef Jeff Project Scholarship Contest invited students from all over the country to submit an essay responding to the question, "How would a culinary degree from The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes help you build a better future?" The winner received a $20,000 tuition scholarship towards a culinary arts degree at one of The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes. The essay contest was offered in conjunction with the Food Network show, The Chef Jeff Project, hosted by Chef Jeff Henderson. Essays were judged on three key points – the ability to clearly communicate a specific culinary career goal and vision, the originality of the story, and the degree of passion and conviction for pursuing a culinary arts education. More than 13,000 essays were submitted.

The winner, chosen by Chef Jeff Henderson himself, was Mical Tachel Terry of Jonesboro, Georgia. Mical has a passion for culinary arts that began when she was a small child watching her mother cook for her family. But she had some serious challenges along the road to culinary school. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 14 months, Mical had five surgeries and years of exercises and physical therapy to be able to walk unaided. She says, "Getting a degree in culinary arts will give me a sense of pride and completion, knowing all the struggles my family went through were not in vain, knowing dreams can come true despite my cerebral palsy. The goal I have after completing my culinary arts degree is to go on to open an upscale bakery and restaurant with my mother, my biggest supporter." Starting classes towards the bachelor of science degree in culinary arts management at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta in January was the beginning of realizing that dream.

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America's largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations. The Art Institute of Atlanta is a part of a system of over 40 educational institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion, and culinary arts professionals.

Now in her third quarter, Mical's vision includes giving back to others as well as becoming a successful restaurateur. She explains, "One of the other dreams I have is to start an after-school program for kids. The program will create an understanding that there is more to life than getting in trouble. Most of the time kids get into trouble due to boredom and lack of attention from someone in their lives. My program will give kids something productive to do as well as inspire future chefs."

In selecting Mical as the winner of the contest, Chef Henderson said, "I chose Mical Terry because of her will to beat the odds, despite her medical setbacks. It was her mission in life to never give up and pursue a dream to one day earn a culinary degree and open a restaurant. So I've selected Mical as the top candidate for The Chef Jeff Project Scholarship."

For more information, visit The Art Institutes International Culinary Schools Web site or contact Elizabeth Wilson at (770) 689-4832 or Kim Resnik at (770) 689-4892.