North Peel students serve culinary creations to Olympic officials in
Whistler, B.C.

TORONTO , Jan. 7 /CNW/ - From high school students to high-profile personal chefs-the transformation is like a reality show and three students from Brampton's North Peel Secondary School are the stars. The students and two staff members make up a unique Olympic team that is travelling to Whistler, B.C. from Feb. 10 to 17 to take over the kitchen at a Whistler chalet. For five days, the group will prepare and serve meals, ranging from full-course feasts to a 50-person cocktail reception, for Olympic officials and other international guests.

"From dining in our school restaurant regularly, I know the dinner guests will enjoy high-calibre cuisine," says Don Ablett, principal of North Peel. "Our students are excited, but focussed. This opportunity is a great way for them to put into practice the culinary and customer service skills they've learned in our hospitality program."

Grade 12 student Tabia Williams is the team leader in the kitchen. She earned her spot on the team by creating a week-long Caribbean menu that was served at Flavourz, the school's student-run restaurant. She will be joined by grade 11 students Brandon Demerchant and Brooke Cass . The three students were selected based on extra-curricular involvement, academic performance and an evaluation of their cooking skills. Since being chosen, the students have been working with Chef Sebastian Cugno, North Peel's hospitality teacher, and Eileen Nykyforchyn, a teaching assistant who is accompanying the team, to prepare for the experience.

"It's important to me to have students involved in every step of the process-from menu planning, to food preparation, to serving," says Cugno. "This hands-on experience will elevate their skills to the next level and inspire them to pursue post-secondary goals."

The school community is working together to raise the $13,000 necessary to send the team to Whistler B.C. Profits from the school restaurant are going to the trip and the students are seeking sponsorship. The school is also accepting donations, and tax receipts are available for donations over $25 .

The chalet belongs to Justin Fogarty , a Toronto-based lawyer with Davis LLP. Fogarty has many commitments, including chairman of the Alpine Canada Alpine Founders Club, a group dedicated to raising funds for the Canadian Ski Team. He has offered his home as an accommodation and dining venue for Olympic officials, guests from the law firm and local business associates. Cugno has been Fogarty's personal Chef for many years.

Although this opportunity is unique, catering is not new to students at North Peel. For information about ordering catering for parties or events, call 905-791-6770, ext. 425. For information or reservations for lunch at Flavourz Restaurant, call 905-791-6770, ext. 123. North Peel is located at 1305 Williams Parkway in Brampton. Donations can be made in person in the school office or sent by mail.

    
    Note to media:  Media is invited to visit Flavourz for lunch to see
                    the team in action. Team leader Tabia Williams and
                    Chef Sebastian Cugno are available for interviews.
                    Photo opportunities are available daily from 9:30 to
                    10:30 a.m. Lunch is served beginning at 10:45 a.m.
    

For further information: Media contact: Don Ablett, Principal, [phone], [email protected]; Chef Sebastian Cugno, Hospitality Teacher, [phone], ext. 425, [email protected]; Reference: Alison Farbar, School Communications Specialist, [phone], ext. 2098, [email protected]