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The Joe Romanowski Culinary Education Foundation [JOCEF] on Monday awarded $32,500 in scholarships to eight students at the Culinary Education Center in Asbury Park.

“This scholarship means that I can finish school,” said a surprised Meghan Trivett of Highlands who received $15,000. “I talked with my dad the other day and he said he didn’t know if we could do another year. That was heartbreaking to me. I love it here. It means the world to me that I can now continue here. This is such an honor. I appreciate everyone who considered me for it and who made a donation.”

Since its 2014 inception, the nonprofit has distributed over $100,000 in scholarships to students enrolled at the Drury Lane school. The Culinary Education Center is a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocational School District.

This year’s awards were funded by proceeds from the Fourth Annual JOCEF Recipe for Success gala held on March 27. The foundation was established in memory of Joseph Romanowski, who mentored many Jersey Shore up-and coming chefs. Romanowski was the chef and owner of Joe and Maggie’s Bistro in Long Branch and of Bay Ave Trattoria in Highlands.

“We are changing people’s lives with these scholarships,” said Karen Farrell, JOCEF Board treasurer. “It is very rewarding to see students grow as they move through the program. We are so pleased to support culinary students in the memory of Joe.”

As students passed a portrait of Romanowski in the school’s main hall, Culinary Education Center Chef Barbara Roselli urged them to apply for the next round of scholarships.

“He loved to teach,” Roselli said of Romanowski. “He would do anything for the school. So many chefs in this area who worked under him went on to start their own places. We have such a local legacy coming from Joe.”

The awards were given by JOCEF Board members Maggie Lubcke, Chris and Debbie Mumford, Karen Farrell, Barbara Roselli and Rachel Weston.

Kendall Szpakowski of Middletown was awarded a scholarship last year as a student coming in from the high school culinary program, officials said. After excelling during her first year at Brookdale, JOCEF awarded her $5,000 to continue her studies.

Baking and pastry student Beth Estelle was awarded a $500 scholarship in memoriam of Cheryl Cummings, a 2014 JOCEF scholarship winner who was a passionate baker, officials said.

Three of the scholarship winners attended high school culinary programs this year at the Monmouth County Vocational School and Five Star Culinary Academy in Freehold.

The 2017-18 JOCEF Scholarship Winners are:

Meghan Trivett, Highlands, $15,000

Courtney Dean, Howell, $5,000

Kendall Szpakowski Leonardo, $5,000

Alexandra Dennis, Matawan, $2,500

Troy Woodginski, Belford, $2500

HayLee Carscadden, Keansburg, $1000

Lindsay Lewallen, Keansburg, $1,000

Beth Estelle, Colts Neck, $500

For more about the Joe Romanowski Culinary Education Foundation visit www.culinaryjoe.org or follow their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via @JOCEFNJ.

[Photos courtesy of Weston]

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