CCSNH-Berlin Culinary Awards
The Culinary Arts program at the New Hampshire Community College at Berlin (NHCTC) prides itself on turning out top-notch
chefs. Anyone who has attended one of their meals can attest to the fact that the students in the program know their way around all
aspects of food preparation. The families, friends, and guests of the program were treated to yet another sumptuous meal as part of
the awards night. This meal was a little different from many meals cooked up by the Culinary Program. Usually the second year
students do the more demanding and critical aspects involved in preparing a multi-course meal, while the first year students assist.
For their last meal as students, however, the seniors got to sit with their family and friends while the first year students prepared
and served the meal. The dinner they prepared was excellent and applauded by all in attendance.
Instructors Steve Griffiths and Kurt Hohmeister spoke highly of all the students and the amount of work they accomplished during the year. As
part of their course work, twice per week, students prepared four course luncheons of different cuisines, all available to the public. Over 1300
people were served gourmet meals this past semester through the luncheons and various dinner functions. Griffiths applauded the students for
juggling jobs, schoolwork, and busy lives to make themselves available for the many extra activities involved in being a culinary
student.
Three major awards capped off the evening. Maurice Tellier was honored as freshman of the year, receiving a plaque and one hundred dollars worth
of cooking equipment. Also receiving a plaque and cooking equipment was the recipient of the Turgeon Award for excellence in pastry arts, Gail
Beroney. Both Maurice and Gail are former PPA workers.
The major award for the evening was the Emmons Award for the top senior in the program, and includes a set of chef's knives donated by the Emmons
family and valued at $1,100. The winner was Chris Benson of Lancaster. Chris was the Freshman of the Year last year and became the 23rd winner
of this prestigious award. Chris will be employed as sous chef at the Whitefield Inn this summer, and will return to NHCTC in the fall for his
Business Management Degree. Other students from the culinary program will be heading to positions at the Mountain View Grand Hotel, The Bretton
Arms, the Eagle Mountain House, and the Birches' Grill.
Photo caption: From left to right: Turgeon Award winner Gail Beroney, Emmons Award winner Chris Benson of Lancaster, and Freshman of the Year Maurice Tellier.
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