Culinary Arts Student at The W awarded NRAEF scholarship
Culinary arts major, Megan Gable, was recently awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
“Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous relief, allowing me to focus on my studies without the burden of tuition,” said Gable. “It’s an honor to be able to study here, and the support from the NRAEF makes it possible for me to continue pursuing my passion.”
Hailing from Quitman, the sophomore began cooking in high school as a ProStart student. She discovered the Culinary Arts Institute at The W through her mother’s research, seeking a comprehensive four-year program in Mississippi.
Director of the Culinary Arts Institute Tracee Watkins said, “We are thrilled to celebrate Megan’s accomplishments and her well-deserved recognition from the NRAEF. She is a promising future talent in our industry, and her enthusiasm for southern cuisine is inspiring.”
Gable’s long-term goal is to own a family-oriented restaurant inspired by the classic Southern dining experience.
“It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s exciting to push my creativity and skills,” Gable said. Her love for hands-on cooking shines through in her culinary specialties, like from-scratch seafood ravioli and chicken alfredo.
The NRAEF is designed to support students pursuing degrees in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries.
“Megan is an exceptional young woman who is very deserving of this scholarship. As a culinary major, she has chosen to double minor in both nutrition and culinary management. She is an asset to our program, and I’m so thankful for opportunities like these that help our students continue doing what they love,” said Amanda Dahl, instructor of Nutrition.
The NRAEF scholarship program is highly competitive, offering over $1 million each year to support future leaders in the culinary and hospitality industry. The Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds with training, education and financial support to advance their careers.
For more information about the Culinary Arts Institute at The W, please visit: https://www.muw.edu/culinary/