Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) added new hardware to its trophy cases, as multiple students and faculty members earned recognition from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) at the ACF 2022 National Convention.

Several CIM students, from both campuses in Muskegon and Port Huron, Mich., competed for ACF Student Chef of the Year and Student Pastry Chef of the Year honors. Two Chef Instructors, Chef Amanda Miller, CSC, CPC, and Chef Chris Sowa, CEC, each were recognized with distinct honors at the National Convention as well.

In the ACF Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition, the following student achievements were earned: 

• Samantha Hecht of CIM Port Huron: Bronze Medal; ACF Central Region Champion; First runner-up for National Student Pastry Chef of the Year
• Danielle Little of CIM Port Huron: Bronze Medal; 3rd place overall
• Hannah Denys of CIM Muskegon: Bronze Medal
• Maya Vanbuskirk of CIM Port Huron: Bronze Medal

For ACF National Student Chef of the Year:

• Emily Rozema of CIM Port Huron: Silver Medal; 4th place overall
• Steven Stempnik of CIM Port Huron: Bronze Medal
• Gage Hess of CIM Muskegon: Bronze Medal 

Additionally, CIM Muskegon campus Instructor, Chef Amanda Miller, received the ACF Presidential Medallion. According to the ACF, the Presidential Medallion is considered the highest honor is given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

Chef Miller’s colleague, Chef Chris Sowa, a CIM Port Huron campus instructor, was honored with an induction into the American Academy of Chefs (AAC). The honor society of ACF, the AAC represents the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, society and industry.