Celebrating New Beginnings: Kitchen School, Summer Exploration Classes Graduate 11 students

August 7, 2025

The energy was warm and positive at the Food Bank of Delaware as we proudly celebrated the graduation class of our Kitchen School and Summer Exploration program—a transformative workforce development initiative that equips students with hands-on culinary skills, life lessons, and renewed purpose.

Chief Impact Officer Anna McDermott welcomed a full room of guests to the ceremony that began with a well-deserved round of applause for students who overcame personal challenges to complete the 12-week culinary training.

The Food Bank’s Kitchen School is about more than cooking—it’s about providing opportunities for growth and transformation. Our students not only earn culinary certifications, but also gain confidence, resilience, and new communities of support.

A New Beginning

Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky welcomed guests warmly.
She highlighted the impact and accessibility of our training programs, offered at no cost thanks to generous partners including the Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Swank Family Foundation.

Words of Inspiration from a Graduate

The keynote speaker, Shane Schirling, a graduate of Kitchen School’s 2024 class, brought the room to tears with his story of resilience.

After losing his job and experiencing homelessness, Shane found hope through the Kitchen School.

“The kitchen school was willing to provide me with transportation, hands-on training. They helped me update my resume, gave me interviewing skills. I actually got my job at Eden Hill working with Chef Loreeka. Here I am almost an entire year later still working with her,” he said.

Tributes from the Team

Executive Chef Tim Hunter shared pride in the class and relayed a message from Chef Shalisa, who was unable to attend.

“This class has been nothing but amazing. Even more impressive, 100 percent passed ServSafe® certification,” she wrote.

Specialized Training Program Director Tee Saunders echoed this sentiment, wiping away tears.
“You’ve shown so much determination. Even if it was kicking and screaming, you still came in. You built your culinary skills and leaned into challenges,” she said.

 “Never forget that even when you are in a seat of a student, you also are in the seat of a teacher. You’re teaching people about who you are, the resilience that you have, and the determination that you have,” Sanders added.

Meet the Culinary Students

* Divine: A returning student, Divine showed remarkable growth and resilience. Having worked with him years ago, staff noted his progress and maturity. He expressed deep gratitude to the Food Bank and his instructors, and made strong friendships during the program.

* Chemica: She blossomed into a leader with ambition and heart. Chemica’s transformation impressed staff, and she expressed thanks to God, her supporters, and her chef for believing in her.

* Ja’Nasia: Nicknamed “Mike Tyson” for her fiery spirit, Ja’Nasia was transparent and self-aware. Though she had moments of struggle, she never gave up. She thanked her family, the Food Bank, and her classmates for their support and camaraderie.

* Jerome: Quiet and reserved, Jerome eventually opened up with humor and personality. Though initially unsure about pursuing culinary work, he had a change of heart and embraced the profession with optimism.

* Tyrin: A high-energy and communicative student, Tyron was known for his team spirit and ambition. He consistently brought enthusiasm to the kitchen and thanked the Food Bank team for the opportunity and support.

* Brooklyn: Recognized for her infectious smile and dedication, her presence was joyful and uplifting, and she expressed gratitude for the experience and prayers for Chef Shalisa, who could not attend the graduation.

Celebrating Summer Exploration Program Students

Also honored were students from our Summer Exploration Program, who spent four weeks rotating through different departments at the Food Bank, learning about logistics, gardening, warehousing, and more.

Those students were Emmanuel Brice, Julian Ramos Chase, Gianna Domiano, Cailee Layton, and Nicolle White.

A Mission Renewed

To close the ceremony, Kanefsky shared a personal story about her encounter with a neighbor visiting a Healthy Pantry Center earlier that morning. The neighbor had come for food because she was caring for a husband recovering from a double lung transplant. Her granddaughter, a child with autism, was thrilled by something as simple as grapes from the pantry.

That moment reminded Kanefsky—and all of us—why this work matters.

Congratulations, graduates!

“You just did something super cool,” she told the graduates.

“You finished something that I bet you you weren’t sure that you were going to be able to finish.“

To all of our graduates: We’re honored to be a part of your journey and can’t wait to see what’s next. Wherever life takes you from here, you’ll always have a home at the Food Bank of Delaware.