Clear Creek Amana’s Valencia Burdette dreams of being a personal chef

TIFFIN — Growing up, Valencia Burdette was fascinated by cooking shows.

Now, she loves cooking favorites like smothered chicken and steak and potatoes at her home in North Liberty. She is working to expand her palate by experimenting with different ingredients and she’s eager to immerse herself in the culinary arts.

Burdette was one of 174 students who graduated May 24 from Clear Creek Amana High School.

The 18-year-old plans to pursue an associate degree in culinary arts at Kirkwood Community College. She set her sights on the program after shadowing Kirkwood students while they prepared for their Black Hats Showcase, an eight-course meal prepared by second-year culinary students.

“I loved it. I love the people there, the way they manage their classes, the way that they teach,” Burdette said.

Clear Creek Amana Family and Consumer Science instructor Bryn Hayes said that after shadowing the Black Hats, Burdette “displayed more confidence within herself and her abilities.”

Burdette spent her sophomore and junior years in Rockford, Ill., where she also took food-related classes. There and here, she learned skills from basic sanitation to proper cutting techniques. Between school work and playing basketball and flag football, Burdette worked hard to learn the fundamentals of hospitality and management.

Her favorite class was Advanced Foods, which teaches students about cuisine from around the world. The class offered hands-on learning experiences while challenging students to work as a team — an environment Burdette thrives in.

“I love Advanced Foods because of the different bonds you get with different people, you can learn from each other,” Burdette said. “This person may know a little more information about foods than me and … we’re able to work together.”

Burdette said the experiences Hayes provided students in the classroom inspired her to pursue her dream of becoming a personal chef, working in the home kitchens of clients. The profession is attractive to Burdette because it would allow her to connect with new people, share her culinary creations and travel.

Hayes lauded Burdette as a dedicated student and hard worker with an eye for detail.

“My hope for Valencia is to graduate from a culinary program and become a chef,” Hayes said. “I know this is a very challenging and rewarding profession, but I truly believe Valencia will do amazing things in the culinary world because of her dedication and work ethic.”

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