Contact Us
Lui Wilson, HGTC Culinary Arts Instructor (far right), Elizabeth Walters, HGTC Culinary
Arts Adjunct Instructor (far left), and HGTC’s Culinary Arts Students Shine at Charleston’s
Food & Wine Classic.
(left to right) Elizabeth Walters, HGTC Culinary Arts Instructor; Laura Smith, Student; Emily Watts, Student; Jacob Benton, Graduate; Andy Pena, Graduate; Sundy Barth, Student; Nicholas Papotto, Student; Dana Mahanay, Student; Jazmin Jimenez, Student; Emiliano Melandez, Student; and Lui Wilson, HGTC Culinary Arts Instructor
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) students from the HGTC International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach showcased their exceptional culinary skills by volunteering at the prestigious Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. Both current and past HGTC Culinary Arts students worked alongside renowned chefs, playing vital roles in preparing, cooking, and plating food for a variety of vendors.
The students were invited to assist the Duvall Catering Group, where initial hesitations from chefs quickly turned into praise as the HGTC students exceeded all expectations.
Chef James Fox from Duvall noted, “These are the best culinary students I’ve ever worked with. I was skeptical at first, but they completely won me over, and we’ll be asking for their help at future events.”
The students not only gained hands-on experience but also had the opportunity to network with notable figures in the culinary world. They met chefs, restaurant owners, and celebrity personalities such as Chef Stephanie Izard and actor Tony Cavalero. Chef Jeremiah Bacon from the Indigo Road Hospitality Group also made the occasion special by arranging a private kitchen tour at Indaco, offering students an inside look at high-end culinary operations.
HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Fore, expressed her pride in the students, “This experience highlights the dedication and skill of our Culinary Arts students. Their performance at the Food & Wine Classic reflects the high standards we uphold at HGTC. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our College.”
The Executive Director of the HGTC International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, Chef Joseph Bonaparte, added “Our students consistently rise to the occasion, and this event was no different. Their hard work, professionalism, and passion for the culinary arts have earned them recognition from top industry professionals.”
HGTC is proud to recognize the students and graduates who volunteered:
- Sundy Barth
- Jacob Benton
- Jazmin Jimenez
- Dana Mahanay
- Emiliano Melendez
- Nick Papotto
- Andy Peña
- Laura Smith
- Emily Watts
Their contribution reflects the bright future of the HGTC Culinary Arts program and demonstrates the impact of their education at HGTC.