2024 National Championship, Chefs Win Individual Contests
A student team from A-B Tech Community College’s renowned Culinary Arts and Hospitality program won the college’s second national championship on July 17 at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Nationals. Regional winners vied for the national title during the ACF Annual Convention, held July 14-17, 2024 in Phoenix.
The team won the ACF Southeast Regional competition in April, securing a spot in the Nationals. It marks the 15th time a student team from A-B Tech has won the ACF Southeast Regional team competition and competed at ACF Nationals, a feat unmatched by any other culinary school in the nation. The college’s 2007 team also won the coveted national title.
“It has been an amazing journey with a very talented group of students,” said team coach and A-B Tech Chef Instructor Chris Bugher, CEC. “From the beginning of the team selection process, we knew we had a great shot at the title. This team has worked so hard, putting in countless hours to get to where they are. It was great to see these students start as individuals and develop into a team, forming friendships and pushing each other to continue to improve their food and skills. They deserved the win, and I couldn’t be more proud. A-B Tech has been so supportive of us from day one and we are so happy to have shown the country the quality of our program.”
The team includes captain Abbey Franklin, Yajaira Sandoval, Ethyn Jester, Rebecca McElreath and Avery Lathan. Team coaches are Bugher and Chef Instructor Bronwen McCormick.
“Being on the competition team for the past two years has changed my life tremendously,” Franklin said. “It has taught me to always strive for better and to believe in my capabilities as an aspiring chef. Some things that set us…
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