Laughter, Tears, New Careers: Graduates Celebrate in Milford
December 22, 2025
Laughter and tears, words of inspiration, and shared memories filled the room as the Food Bank of Delaware proudly celebrated 21 graduates from two Milford-based workforce development programs — LOGIC and Culinary School — during recent graduation ceremonies.
The event featured a powerful keynote address from Kristen Zircadoolas, a LOGIC alumna whose story of resilience and reinvention set the tone for the day.
A Story of Resilience and Reinvention
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Kristen to pivot from her New York City-based career path when her manufacturing job came to a sudden halt. Attempts to switch into event planning, combined with a bartending side hustle, still weren’t enough to make ends meet.
“Needing help is not failure,” Kristen shared, wiping away tears. “I had to pivot again to reinvent myself.”
That pivot brought her closer to family support in Dover — but she still needed a career. A visit to a job fair at the Dover Library introduced her to the LOGIC program. While it wasn’t love at first sight, Kristen soon realized the program offered a new way back into manufacturing.
“I started to take the process seriously,” she said. “I began to appreciate how much community mattered.”
Kristen enrolled in LOGIC and emerged as a leader among her classmates — organizing study sessions, encouraging peers, and rebuilding her own confidence along the way. Today, she is a Maintenance Planner Technician at Kraft Heinz in Dover.
She encouraged graduates to believe in their ability to learn, grow, and follow through:
“Stay open and take the next step forward, even when the path isn’t clear.”
Honoring LOGIC Graduates
Workforce Training Program Coordinator Trudy Pechin and Operations Instructor Ed Simpson presented certificates to six of the eight LOGIC graduates who were able to attend the ceremony.
“Hands-on training is a must,” Trudy said. “It takes a village.”
Ed praised the group for their teamwork and growth.
“They came together to help each other while working toward their goals and confidence,” he said.
Graduates took turns at the microphone, thanking their families, classmates, and supporters.
“This time, it’s not how you start — it’s how you finish,” said graduate DeAngelo McGlotten, addressing both his peers and the more than 100 guests in attendance
LOGIC Graduates:
- Zebulah Hurd
- Brenna Lawson
- Gabriel Lenoir
- DeAngelo McGlotten
- Sarah Salgado
- EnRico Stratton-Bey
- Timothy Vicks
- Travon Wright
Celebrating Culinary School Graduates
Executive Chef Tim Hunter, Chef Tish Badamshin, and Workforce Training Program Coordinator Ochia Cropper presented certificates to the Culinary School graduates.
Chef Tim echoed Kristen’s message of perseverance and support:
“We all need help sometimes,” he said, while also encouraging kindness and patience in the kitchen and beyond.
Like their LOGIC counterparts, Culinary graduates thanked the Food Bank of Delaware, their families, instructors, and classmates — those who shared challenges, laughter, and tears throughout the program.
“This has opened a new set of doors,” said De’Angelo.
“This has been an awesome opportunity,” agreed Kanika.
“There is so much to learn here,” added Antoine “AJ.”
Graduate Ariell, speaking through deaf interpreters, praised the inclusive spirit of the program:
“Everyone was willing to work with me as a teammate.”
Culinary School Graduates:
- Bryauna Atkins
- De’Angelo Bagwell
- Charlyssia Batson
- Charles Craft
- Kanika Dukes-Hazzard
- Aline Ellis
- Lailah Farrington
- Corey (Ariell) German
- Tiffany Harden
- Jeff Holleger
- Antoine Johnson
- Henry Pereira
- Shakima Wise
A Celebration Complete with Great Food
No Food Bank of Delaware ceremony would be complete without celebratory food — and this graduation was no exception. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the culinary graduates, featuring dishes from the students’ kitchen final exam, including:
- Blackened pork
- Cajun catfish
- Fried cod
- Eggplant parmesan
- Vegetables and assorted salads
- Desserts
- Smoked salmon pizza and sushi
What’s Next?
Our next workforce training classes begin this January. To learn more about our programs or to apply, click here.
