What an Accomplishment: Kitchen School Students Conquer Obstacles to Achieve Success

December 11, 2025

At the Food Bank of Delaware, we never miss a chance to celebrate a win—and Thursday’s graduation ceremony for our Kitchen School in Milford was one of those moments that just fills your heart to the brim.

A huge congratulations to graduates Marco Flores, Kristen Hanifee, Donald Luke Jefferson, Shalanda Lawson, Madison Madlangbayan, Euan Oribello, and Terry Pusey for completing our 12-week culinary training program and passing their ServSafe® exam. That is no small feat, and we’re cheering loudly for each of you.

Our graduations are often emotional, and this one was no exception. The journey to success is rarely a straight line—there are bumps, battles, and breakthroughs along the way. Our President and CEO, Cathy Kanefsky, acknowledged that truth beautifully, reminding students, “You have been working hard your whole life, and now you are ready to start a new job.”

The Kitchen School is a workforce development program for adults with disabilities, supported by the Delaware Department of Labor, Swank Family Foundation and other generous community donors. Because of that support, students attend at no cost—an investment in people, in possibility, and in stronger futures.

Our keynote speaker, Angie Kelchner, Kitchen Manager at Outback Steakhouse in Dover, captured audience attention with her powerful story. “I’m not educated. I was a homeless teenager, and I almost gave up,” she shared. Despite uncertainty and moments of doubt, Angie found her way—starting in mom-and-pop delis before joining Outback as a host in 2019. The role pushed her outside her comfort zone, but she persevered and built what she calls her “toolbox” of life skills, including the wisdom that “not all criticism is constructive.”

Her message to students was clear and empowering: “It starts with you. You control your attitude, your actions, and your reactions.” She encouraged them to set goals, just as she has throughout her career—first to become kitchen manager, then to pursue the role of managing partner. “It took a lot of work for me,” she said. “But I kept my mouth shut and my head down… Always remember you are enough, even though people will say you aren’t. In reality, change is hard.”

Throughout the ceremony, the pride was overflowing. Executive Chef Tim Hunter and Tee Sanders, Director of Specialized Training Programs, praised the students’ accomplishments, while Chef Instructor Shalisa Alexander added: “I have to brag about this class; they prepared your lunch for you today.”

Then came the graduates’ moment at the microphone. Many thanked instructors, classmates, and family. But graduate Terry Pusey captured the spirit of the day with his thoughtful words: “This is like achieving an Academy Award. I’m so grateful. You just don’t know. People with disabilities—we give 150 percent. We were a team when we started, and we are a team when we finished.”

To our graduates: we are so proud of you. Your dedication, heart, and resilience shine brightly.
Congratulations on a job well done—and on the amazing journeys ahead!