Celebrating Perseverance, Possibilities: 21 Grads shine in Food Bank Ceremonies

April 30, 2026

Expressions of pride and gratitude shared with heartfelt words and memories set the tone as the Food Bank of Delaware proudly celebrated 21 graduates from its Milford-based workforce development programs—LOGIC and Culinary School—during a joint graduation ceremony on April 30.
It was more than a ceremony. Students demonstrated what can happen when determination meets opportunity.

President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky captured the spirit of the day as she addressed the graduates. “Feeding our neighbors is just the beginning,” she said. “We believe in building strong, thriving communities, and that means providing career training programs that open pathways to success.” Her words reflected the deeper mission behind the celebration: not just meeting immediate needs, but creating lasting change.

The keynote address from Kanika Dukes Hazzard, a proud Culinary School alumna whose story resonated deeply with the audience. A mother of six and grandmother of seven, Kanika made the bold decision—encouraged by her husband—to leave her role as a state social worker and enroll in the 14-week program. Since graduating in December 2025, she has stepped into a new chapter as assistant manager at Milford High School’s cafeteria kitchen.

Her message to graduates was clear and deeply personal: “No one gets here except through your own perseverance,” she said. “This is not just a culinary experience. It helps build your life.”

Kanika also shared a lasting lesson from Chef Instructor Tish Badamshin: “Everything is an ingredient.” She encouraged graduates to see their lives—every challenge and triumph—as something meaningful they can shape into success. “You’re living testimony,” she said. “You have to make up your mind to do something you love. I wanted to make an impact on children, and this program made that possible. Now, I’m also building a private chef business and getting my food truck back up and running. Think about the world as an ingredient.”

That spirit of transformation carried through the entire ceremony. Chef Tish Badamshin and Workforce Program Coordinator Ochia Cropper presented graduates with certificates of completion and ServSafe® recognition—symbols of both hard work and new beginnings.

Honoring LOGIC Graduates
Workforce Program Director Quinn Vermillion offered a powerful perspective to the LOGIC graduates, describing their 14-week journey as “an act of service toward their future self.”

The results speak volumes: of the 10 LOGIC graduates, eight are already employed, including Chad Henderson, who has joined the Milford Food Bank team as facilities coordinator.

Program Coordinator Trudy Pechin and Operations Instructor Ed Simpson presented certificates, marking a milestone that reflects resilience, discipline, and growth.

Graduates from both programs took turns at the microphone, expressing gratitude to the families, classmates, and supporters who stood beside them along the way. Their words painted a picture of community—one built on encouragement, accountability, and shared purpose.

A Moment of Distinction
The ceremony also highlighted exceptional achievement through the Chef Joey Schilling Memorial Foundation $10,000 Scholarship, presented by John Schilling and Mark Marsden. This year’s honor went to Cletis Simms Jr., recognized as the outstanding student of the class. Along with the scholarship, he received a set of professional chef’s knives—tools that symbolize both his accomplishments and his future in the culinary field. A plaque in his honor will be displayed in the Milford Food Bank’s lobby.

Looking Ahead
As the celebration came to a close, one thing was clear: this milestone is not an ending, but a beginning. The next Culinary and LOGIC classes are set to begin on May 18, welcoming a new group ready to take their first steps toward transformation.

For these 21 graduates, the future is wide open—built on perseverance, fueled by passion, and shaped by the belief that every experience can become an ingredient for success.

Congratulations, graduates!

Culinary Graduates

  • Hajar Ettazi
  • Lajada Harris Guinn
  • Kaira Lawson
  • Iramene Louis
  • Zeniya McIvor-Smalley
  • Jasmine Neal
  • Lateefat Olumegbon
  • Yakelin Morales Perez
  • Jaxon Principe
  • Jesus Reyes-Soto
  • Cletis Simms

LOGIC Graduates

  • Thomas Balogh
  • Anthony Carney
  • Abigail Delgado
  • Chad Henderson
  • Aahren Johnson-Wilder
  • Cherrywood Reid
  • Avion Rodriquez
  • Jose Roaro-Daniels
  • Matthew Schuster
  • Tykee Williams

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