FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – Jefferson State Community College culinary student Daphne Jones was awarded a $1,000 scholarship on July 17 by the Birmingham Chapter of Las Dames d’Escoffier International in support of future women chefs.

The scholarship is given to female applicants who are pursuing full-time coursework in culinary or pastry arts, beverage management, hospitality, agriculture or other related fields of study, and meet certain qualifications.

“We are very proud of Daphne’s efforts in the Jefferson State Culinary Program,” Jefferson State Culinary Director Joseph Mitchell said. “We are also very thankful for the partnership with Las Dames d’Escoffier and greatly appreciate the scholarship they provide to our deserving students.”

LDEI is an invitational organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education and philanthropy. The organization is dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and shares knowledge through educational and charitable activities.

The Birmingham chapter is an organization of resident leaders and experts in the food and beverage industries. The organization is dedicated to growing, creating, promoting and sharing local food culture and on an even more basic level, sharing food itself.

The Birmingham Chapter of LDEI consists of chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, caterers, farmers, food retailers, event planners, cookbook authors, food journalists and photographers, test-kitchen professionals, food stylists, winemakers and wine-industry professionals, food publicists, food-service professionals, culinary educators and hospitality executives.

For more information about Jefferson State’s culinary program, visit Jeffersonstate.edu/chi.