Twenty-one Pennsylvania College of Technology students were hired by Levy Restaurants to help prepare meals for guests attending the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5.
The students left Williamsport on April 30 to head for Churchill Downs, where they spent the week setting up auxiliary kitchens and preparing food for the 400,000 who visit the Downs during Derby Week festivities, culminating with the "Run for the Roses."
Churchill Downs Executive Chef Jo Jo Doyle visited the Penn College campus in February to interview students for Derby Week responsibilities. Doyle is an employee of Levy Restaurants, which is responsible for food operations at many sports arenas and entertainment venues across the United States.
"Churchill Downs hosts hundreds of thousands of guests during Kentucky Derby week," said Fred Becker, dean of hospitality at Penn College. "As a result, our students have an opportunity to experience high-volume service, as well as high-quality service, with one of the country's leading food -service companies."
The students, who were accompanied by Layne E. Eggers, assistant dean of hospitality, helped to staff Churchill Downs' central kitchen, preparing food for guests in corporate and private guest suites at the derby. Some were selected to help serve guests at Dawn at the Downs, a Louisville tradition during which visitors enjoy breakfast in the Downs' "Millionaires Row" section while watching the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders conduct morning workouts.
Students hired for the Kentucky Derby are studying culinary arts, culinary arts and systems, baking and pastry arts, or hospitality management.
The students and their hometowns are: Andrew N. Barninger, of York; Amanda J. Bickel, of Northumberland; Arthur H. Byra, of East Stroudsburg; Katelyn R. Ciavardini, of Sayre; Brianna R. Helmick, of Hershey; Marlee M. Horchen, of Johnsonburg; Alisha M. Howell, of Waymart; Chelsea A. Igo, of State College; Spencer M. Johnson, of Catawissa; Patrick J. Kelly, of Muncy; Benjamin A. King, of Elizabethtown; Darren J. Layre, of Hatboro; Brittanie M. Lenig, of Shermans Dale; Nina M. Liguori, of Forty Fort; Michael A. Petrizio, of Sellersville; Christine M. Reed, of Kingston; Lewis D. Robinson, of Bellefonte; Rebecca R. Rudy, of Lancaster; Bryan A. Sharp, of Souderton; Stephanie M. Sinclair, of Jessup; and Sabrina R. Strassner, of Milton.
To learn more about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call 570-327-4505 or visit online .
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