Albert, a senior in East High School’s Culinary Arts program, placed third in the school’s 2^nd Annual Iron Chef Competition in March. The competitors, who were assisted by amateur "sous chefs" including Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard, Monroe Community College Dean Emeterio Otero, and Rochester City School Board member Malik Evans, had just one hour to prepare three dishes using Cornish game hens and shrimp. Food Network Chef Daisy Martinez was a member of the judging panel that determined the winners.

Albert has been cooking for years and was ready for the challenge. "My mom cooks a lot," he says, "and I learned to cook helping her out at home." When he started working at Wendy’s two years ago, Albert discovered his passion for cooking.

According to Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection Zone Manager Don Armstrong, getting the job was a critical step for Albert. "He had been an HW-SC student since 9^th grade," Don explains, "but he was not very responsive at first." Don credits Youth Advocate Michelle Ruth with getting Albert back on track. "I never gave up on him," Michelle says. "Once he started working at Wendy’s, he found his passion for culinary (arts). I do believe he’s going to pursue it as a career and I’ve been assisting him in exploring colleges."

Albert says HW-SC has been a great help to him. "Mrs. Ruth checks up on me pretty much every day to make sure I do what I’m supposed to do," he says. "She helps me stay focused so I don’t get off track."

Albert expects to graduate from East High in June and is planning to go to college and continue his studies in culinary arts. When asked about his favorite cuisine, Albert can’t name one in particular. "I like try everything," he says. His favorite food to cook is chicken because it’s versatile and can be prepared in so many ways. And there’s no doubt in his mind that cooking is his future. "I want to own a restaurant or become an executive chef somewhere," he says, "and I’d like to stay in Rochester." His first cooking instructor, his mother, is proud of his accomplishments. "She’s excited," Albert says.