New Rochelle, NY – The Harry S Truman High School Culinary Department reached a sweet milestone this past Saturday, as five talented seniors dominated the “America’s Best High School Pastry Chef” competition at Monroe University’s Culinary Institute of New York (CINY). After months of intense preparation, the Truman team walked away with a staggering combined total of $236,000 in scholarship money toward their future college degrees.
The competition was a grueling test of skill, requiring each finalist to recreate a signature, restaurant-quality plated dessert in just 90 minutes. Each dish was required to feature five essential elements: a main item, a sauce, a cookie or crisp, chocolate, and fruit. The Truman seniors rose to the challenge, showcasing the technical precision and creative flair that have become hallmarks of the school’s culinary program.
Leading the pack was Emma Estevez, who secured second place and a $75,000 scholarship. Close behind was Jada Fleming in third place, earning $65,000, and Antonise Whyte in fourth place with $32,000. Fellow seniors Hayley Semprit and David Rodriguez, students of Chef Jeff Brylski, also delivered exceptional performances, each being awarded $32,000 in scholarships toward their Associate and Bachelor’s degrees.
“I am incredibly proud of how these students represented Truman on such a prestigious stage,” said Geannaby Hernandez, the culinary department’s pastry chef teacher. “Seeing them translate months of hard work and late-night practices into these life-changing scholarships is the ultimate reward. They didn’t just bake; they demonstrated the professionalism and grit required to excel in the hospitality industry.”
The success of the day was a true team effort. The seniors were supported by assistant coach Ms. Santiago and a dedicated group of apprentices—Zavien Halls, King Lawes, Daysheen Perkins, and Brittain Williams—who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the competitors were ready for the heat of the kitchen.
Truman High School invites the entire community to congratulate these five remarkable students on their achievements. Their success serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Truman chefs and a testament to the strength of the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
