myStory
For six hours, they can’t make any mistakes.
Members of Junior Culinary Team Canada strike a pose in the kitchen, including (from left) Carly Bergshoeff, David Ross, Avi Hollo (coach), Megan Proper, Scott McInerney, Jeremy Gilligan, Robbie Aggarwal, Ben Lillico, Trevor Littlejohn, Olaf Mertens (coach), Daniella Germond and Craig Youdale (manager). Canada has taught me to be patient and to be persistent. It has definitely
commitment to the team,” says Cirillo.
given me so many pastry skills I didn’t have before,” says Proper. “Most
No matter how many medals they win at the Olympics or what path they
of all, it’s been learning to deal with all the different personalities and
choose to follow when they return home, Youdale believes that their
feelings of my team members, learning to respect one another.”
experience on Team Canada will leave a lasting impact on these young
The team has had the rare opportunity to learn from talented Canadian
culinary grads far beyond what they have learned in the kitchen. “I think
chefs such as Judson Simpson from the House of Commons and John
their experience on the team prepares them for life,” he says. “They
Cirillo of the prestigious Cirillo’s Culinary Academy, as well as celebrated
have a level of excellence stuck in their head that will serve them well in
chefs from around the world including famous pastry chef Ewald Notter,
whatever they do.”
and top Swedish chef and culinary judge Gert Klötzke.
Members of Junior Culinary Team Canada include Ben Lillico, Carly
“They’ve really groomed themselves through all the competitions they’ve
Bergshoeff, Daniella Germond, David Ross, Jeremy Gilligan, Megan
experienced in Luxembourg and at the U.S. Classic; they’ve really
Proper, Robbie Aggarwal, Scott McInerney and Trevor Littlejohn.
gelled as a team,” says Cirillo who has been mentoring the team since
The team is coached by chef professors Avi Hollo and Olaf Mertens;
they were preparing to win the title three years ago. “I’ve been at the
with chefs Scott Baechler and Catherine O’Donnell. Several staff
Culinary Olympics and I believe they have what it takes. It will all come
members have also contributed to the team’s success over the years
down to what happens the day of the competition.”
including chefs Dan LeBlanc, Osvaldo Avila and Ruth Bliejerveld; with
Cirillo applauded the efforts of the CFWI staff and faculty in preparing
logistics support from Melissa Nevestuk and Stacey Havran.
the team to be among the world’s best. “What is really most impressive is the commitment they have from the College, from their coaches,
Follow the team’s progress and cheer them on all the way to the
Craig Youdale, Olaf Mertens and Avi Hollo who have really shown their
Culinary Olympics! Visit ncjrculinaryteamcanada.ca
2016 | niagaracollege.ca | encore 21