PCS Grads Follow Their Passion

“Your dreams really can come true,” Carolina Moratti told the newest alumni of Promise Culinary School at their graduation ceremony on June 15 attended by dozens of proud family members.

The 14 graduates of the culinary and baking and pastry programs heard how Carolina pursued her own dreams after graduating from PCS 11 years ago. Carolina held several positions as a cook for major organizations. “Then I got laid off and started my own journey,” she said. It led her to a career in catering, specializing in her native Peruvian foods, and even a one-year stint doing a cooking show on Spanish TV.

This year, her career path led her back to Elijah’s Promise to help with the new Mercado Esperanza, which takes place the third Sunday of the month in Joyce Kilmer Park and features foods prepared and sold by many PCS graduates.

Carolina’s story resonated as the students spent one last day in the PCS kitchen before setting out for the professional world with the skills and knowledge they acquired at the school.

Carolina Moratti addresses PCS graduates.

Sam Campos was selected by his fellow students to speak at the ceremony. “I wanted to learn about the passion of food. It brings everyone together,” he said.

“They pushed me to my limits,” Sam said about the instructors, adding, ”These six months have been amazing.”

Chef Pearl Thompson, director and head instructor at PCS, personalized the ceremony with humorous anecdotes and praise for each student and their accomplishments.

Demand is high for graduates of PCS, she said. “I get calls all the time asking for our students.”

Placements for the class include Catherine Lombardi, the Stirling Hotel, Les Delices,  Conlin’s Bakery and Cake Makes Life Sweeter, while some are working with Promise Catering.

Congratulations to Promise Culinary School’s newest graduates!