Culinary Institute Comes in Person to Offer BOCES Student Admission

Yorktown High School senior Kennedie Chapman was hoping to be admitted to the Culinary Institute of America, but she never dreamed that representatives would come in person a week after she sent her application in to offer her admission.

The Hospitality Academy student at Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES was shocked when CIA’s Assistant Director of Admissions Susan Lavender and International Admissions Counselor Daniel Schwartz came into her Advanced Pastry Arts class on the BOCES campus with balloons, presents, and an offer of admission. Her Yorktown High School Counselor Allison Greenberg also came to bear witness to the good news in person.

“Your essay made me cry,” Lavender told Kennedie, as her Pastry Arts teacher Jenn Guiffre and students and staff of the Hospitality Academy looked on. “I am delighted to offer you admission, and I had to come in person to do it!”

Chapman, in tears, said, “When I put in the application last week, I had no idea I would get an offer like this. I am overwhelmed with joy!” Chapman, who has overcome personal adversity and risen to achieve great things in her field, said, “My dreams have come true, and I am so grateful!”

“Kennedie has everything it takes to succeed and be one of the best people in the industry,” Lavender said. “Her teacher and counselor recommendations were amazing, and I just knew I had to make the trip to offer her admission!”

Greenberg said, “There is no one who deserves this more than Kennedie!”

Guiffre said, “Kennedie has overcome so much in her life and works so hard. She took first place in the SkillsUSA regional competition and placed fifth in the states competition in cake decorating. As a junior, that is extraordinary. She is so deserving of this!”