On a very snowy day in Washington, DC, in a gorgeous room in the Marriott Metro Center, the magic that happens only at a graduation of a CJT class of DC Central Kitchen came off in full glory. Of the original 25 who started in October, 15 danced in to the room to Seal’s version of “Fly Like An Eagle” a room filled with proud families, friends and supporters . Fortunately, very few people had to bow out due to weather issues, in fact, a couple of new employer-chefs were actually able to attend because of catering cancellations. Graduations are always magical times for us at DC Central Kitchen and as CEO Mike Curtin says, “The four best days of the year at DC Central Kitchen are CJT graduation days.”
Guest Speaker, Chef Kathleen Wellington, a Marriott International, Executive Chef, congratulated the students and shared with them some of the joys and experiences ahead of them in their careers. Graduate Speaker, Lakisha Williams of Class 72, filled the room with her special brand of excitement and enthusiasm. The Class Representative, Makeisha Daye, spoke with eloquent honesty of the experiences of the graduating class, where they came from and their hopes for the future. High fives were shared, tears of joy were shed and Class 73 was on its way to set the culinary world on fire. Of the fifteen, all but five are employed and those five are all expected to get employment.
In the front rows watching wide-eyed were the members of Class 74, thinking “Wow, this can be me!” Here we go again!
Chef Linda Vogler
