Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines: Celebrating the 12th Graduating Class of the Kitchen School

August 6, 2025

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we believe that every individual deserves not just access to food, but access to opportunity, dignity and hope. That belief was on full display at the graduation ceremony of The Kitchen School, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to invest in people.

As the graduates entered the room, family members and friends rose to celebrate the newest graduates of our culinary training program. What followed was a heartwarming, inspiring, and at times tearful morning, full of pride and joy.

Olivia Brown a graduate of both our Kitchen School and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program returned as the keynote speaker. Now working at the Mary Campbell Center as a food service worker, Olivia told graduates, “Congrats again on your achievement. I know you guys are going to do great out there. You’re going to find an amazing opportunity like I did.

New Castle County Council President Monique Williams Johns followed with inspiring remarks.

“Every door that you go through, everything that you accomplish is an opportunity. This is a new beginning. This is a new day. Be excited about it. We’re all here to help you,” she said. “A dream is never forgotten.  A dream that you don’t receive or you don’t see right now, doesn’t meet that it’s not going to happen. Dreams do not have deadlines.”

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the presentation of the graduates.

Led by our Executive Chef Tim Hunter, Specialized Training Program Director Tee Sanders, STEP Lead Danielle Finlay and Chef Instructor Rob Taylor, each student was recognized not just for completing the 12-week culinary course, but for the unique spirit, work ethic and joy they brought to the classroom.

Each graduate’s story was different.

  • Neimon “Jake” Barbour Jr. – ambitious and driven.

  • Felicity Crawford – a shining light of positivity and progress.

  • Nicholas Gentry – from dishwasher at University of Delaware Dining Services to prep cook with one of the highest ServSafe scores.

  • Deldra Hill – returning to food service after working in retail with new confidence.

  • Jennifer Joseph – filled with compassion and eager to serve her community.

  • Milo Lee – another top ServSafe scorer and now thriving at Sidebar Cafe.

  • Aidan Limon – loved being busy. Always asking for more tasks

  • Epani Martin- a UD student balancing college and culinary dreams.

  • Nicholas Sanchez – Enjoyed doing dishes and would help wherever he could

  • Eric Swain – the resident entertainer always quoting Seinfeld episodes

As each graduate accepted their certificate, it was clear: this was more than just a ceremony. It was a celebration of transformation, resilience, and newfound confidence.

Chef Rob Taylor introduced this year’s cohort of Pre-ETS Summer Exploration students, who spent time not only in the kitchen but also learning about all aspects of the Food Bank—volunteering, farming and serving in the Healthy Pantry Center.

The program participants included:

  • Brier Saunders
  • Gonazalo Villa III
  • Shemar White
  • Rhode Winward

The ceremony ended with special recognition for Sam Kanefsky, Food Bank of Delaware Kitchen Steward. He was recognized for earning his ServSafe Food Handler certification.

In closing, Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Kanefsky reflected on what the day meant, not just for the students, but for everyone present.

“We’re here and we’re helping dreams come true by providing that training, that food,” she said. “It’s within ourselves to be able to look and say, how we do we become that changemaker, that dream chaser, the village that helps other people have their dreams come true. Everyone in this room today can be a dream maker.”

To learn more about The Kitchen School, please click here.

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