May 29, 2015 (North Bergen, N.J.) – County Prep High School senior Karina Diaz has been awarded a Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship, amounting to $20,000 towards her education over the next four years, announced Linda J. Quentzel, HCST Foundation Executive Director.
The Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship Program is offered to students who plan to study culinary arts or food sciences as full-time college freshmen. Students are selected based on a variety of considerations, including leadership and academic performance. Applicants must also complete an essay that explains how “Goya has enriched [their] family traditions.”
Diaz, who plans to attend the Culinary Arts Institute at Hudson County Community College in September, was recognized for her outstanding academic work. She earned a 4.3 grade point average throughout her tenure at County Prep.
Culinary Arts instructor Chef Kevin Collins says of Diaz’s recognition, “We are very proud of her accomplishment.”
Barbara Mendolla, Principal of County Prep High School, adds, “Karina Diaz demonstrates creativity, talent and extraordinary achievement.”
HCSTF President Daniel Gans congratulated young Ms. Diaz: “This is a highly selective scholarship, and we are glad to see an HCST student earn such an award from such a respected HCST Foundation partner. This is truly the mission being accomplished.”
Frank Gargiulo, HCST Superintendent added, “Our culinary programs have been very successful, and I applaud Karina’s hard work as well as her instructors’ dedication.”
HCST Foundation Executive Director Linda J. Quentzel said, “Goya Foods is a valued member of our business community, and their recognition of Karina’s hard work is precisely the kind of connection we aim to make with the HCST Foundation.”
Goya Foods is represented on the HCST Foundation Advisory Board by Mr. Rafael Toro.