Niagara Falls Culinary Students Shine at ACF Hornet Classic

Niagara Falls Culinary Students Shine at ACF Hornet Classic

On November 22, 2025, eleven culinary students from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute competed in the Hornet Classic—an American Culinary Federation (ACF)–sanctioned culinary competition hosted annually by the Hospitality Department at the SUNY Broome Culinary & Event Center. They were accompanied by three faculty members and two staff members who helped organize the trip and provide guidance throughout the event.

The Hornet Classic brings together students and professionals from across New York State. As mostly first-semester participants, our courageous and highly motivated students competed primarily in the SKS-1 (Basic Culinary Skills) category, where they earned an impressive array of bronze and silver medals. This experience not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens the technical skills they will carry into future lab courses and their professional careers.

Kudos to these remarkable students—and to the dedicated faculty and staff who supported them—for making the trip, competing with determination, and embracing the constructive feedback provided by ACF-accredited judges.

Faculty and Staff mentors

Chef Scott Steiner (Culinary program coordinator and trip organizer)

Chef John Matwijkow

Chef Dory Matwijkow

Chef Jacob Rhodes

Josh Blumberg (Dean of HBCA)

Student Competitors

Cassandra Cole

Drew Fish

Dayton Frisbee

Andrew Magnino

Alex Merica

Isaac Murray

Parker Schmidt

Alexandra Stiller

Carmelita Strawder

Tessa VanPelt