Grayson College Culinary Students and Instructors Shine at Texas Chefs Association State Convention

Grayson College and the Red River Chapter of the Texas Chefs Association (TCA) had a standout showing at the recent TCA State Convention, bringing home top honors, multiple medals and statewide recognition.

The weekend featured a tri-tip cook-off, education sessions and a variety of competitions. Six Grayson College culinary students competed in the skills competition, earning two silver medals (Taryn Kiersey and Cole Gibson) and four gold medals (Dalton Glinn, Joseph Fisher, Cody Stinnett and Jefferson Martinez). Jefferson Martinez also took home a 1st place finish in his category of knife skills and chicken butchery.

Faculty members also made their mark. Chef Joanna Bryant CCC, CCE earned a bronze medal in the garde manger category, presented a session on student engagement, was elected state 1st Vice President and received a prestigious presidential medallion from ACF National President Rene J. Marquis, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC for her contributions to the TCA. Grayson College Chef Rusty Weatherly CEC, CCE was honored for his term as chapter president, named Chapter Chef Educator and led an educational session on certification. Pastry Chef Jennifer Denman was named the new Chapter Director for the Red River Chapter of the TCA.

Student Joseph Fisher was recognized by TCA President Len Pawelek with a knife award for his participation on Culinary Youth Team USA. Grayson College alumni also earned top honors as Chef Rory Larkins was named Red River Chapter Chef of the Year, and Chef Charles White received the Chapter Contributor Award.

One of the weekend’s most notable achievements was Cole Gibson being named Student Chef of the Year for both the Red River Chapter and the entire State of Texas. This marks the eighth consecutive year a Grayson College student has won this prestigious state award. Gibson, who graduated in May, has already begun his apprenticeship at the renowned Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

“These achievements reflect the extraordinary dedication, talent and teamwork of our students and faculty,” said Dr. Jeremey McMillen, Grayson College President. “We are proud to see Grayson College’s tradition of excellence recognized at the state level year after year.”

With the convention marking the end of another successful year, the Grayson College Culinary Arts program is already setting its sights on continued success in the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year.

Learn more about the program on the Grayson College Culinary Arts webpage.