Raritan NJ
5-08-2023 8:05pm

Winners of the People’s Choice title at the 10th Annual County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge

John G. Donnadio, Esq. Executive Director New Jersey Association of Counties

Congratulations to the County Service Award winners listed below and to the Cumberland County Technical Education Center for defending its People’s Choice title at the 10th Annual County Vocational-Technical School Cook-Off Challenge further cementing its legacy as a Cook-Off Challenge dynasty.

Maurice Fitzgibbons County Commissioner of the Year Award

  • Virginia “Ginny” Haines, Ocean County Commissioner

For her positive and enthusiastic leadership as a trailblazer in county government and President of the Southern New Jersey County Commissioners Association.

County Service Awards

  • Bonnie Lindaw, County Finance Officer, Atlantic County

For her unwavering support and leadership in helping county finance officers and NJAC with countless surveys, input on regulations and legislation, and guidance with CEUs.

  • Cheryl Golden, Director, Cumberland County Department of Social Services

For her support, friendship, and subject expertise in conducting research on several complex issues that impact county welfare agencies and boards of social services.

  • Shaun Golden, Sheriff, Monmouth County

For his steadfast leadership in championing 911 funding for county governments and as a visionary in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of residents across the Garden State.

County Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Teri O’Connor, County Administrator, Monmouth County

For her enduring friendship and support, and immeasurable contributions to NJAC as the first County Administrator to serve as the Association’s President in 2022.

Special Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Joseph Vicari, Ocean County Commissioner director

For his commitment as the longest serving commissioner in the State of New Jersey having been first elected in 1981 and serving as Commissioner Director 13 times in a remarkable 42 years.

  • Thoms DeGise, Hudson County Executive

For his dedication as the longest serving Hudson County Executive and unparalleled contributions to implementing innovative and resourceful initiatives for those need.

NJAC Board Member Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Brian Hughes, Mercer County Executive

For his commitment to NJAC and the NJAC Foundation and to improving the quality of life for Mercer County residents as County Executive for nearly two remarkable decades.

County Commissioner Hall of Fame

  • Lou Cappelli, Camden County Commissioner Director

For his tireless advocacy to provide mental health and opioid use resources and for 20 years an elected county commissioner having served as Director of the Board since 2006.

Peter Palmer Business Associate of the Year

  • Amazon – Collen Newman, Director of Workforce & Economic Development

For Amazon and Collin Newman’s generous support of the NJAC Foundation in making available a grant of $31,500 for county vocational technical high school graduates.

Legislator Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Steve Oroho, Senate Republican Leader

For always being a true-gentlemen and a scholar and having the uncanny ability to navigate both sides of the aisle in an authentic, effective, and universally respected manner.

County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge - People's Choice Awards

As voted on by all participating conference attendees and tabulated by ES&S.

  • Gold Medal ($1,250.00 Scholarship): Cumberland County Technical Education Center

Grilled Maryland Crab Cake

  • Silver Medal ($750.00 Scholarship): Camden County Technical Schools

American BBQ Asian Fusion

  • Bronze Medal ($500.00 Scholarship): Burlington County Institute of Technology, West Tech

Korean Fusion Street Taco

County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge - NJAC Judges Awards

As voted on by selected conference attendees from the business community.

  • Gold Medal Taste: Burlington County Institute of Technology, West Tech

Korean Fusion Street Taco

  • Silver Medal Taste: Hudson County Schools of Technology

Carbonara Y Pepe

  • Bronze Medal Taste: Camden County Technical Schools

American BBQ Asian Fusion

  • Gold Medal Station Display: Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools

Ying Yang Vegetarian Egg Rolls & Chicken Dumplings

  • Silver Medal Station Display: Middlesex County Magnet Schools, East Brunswick

Miniature Pulled Pork Cone

  • Bronze Medal Station Display: Cumberland County Technical Education Center

Grilled Maryland Crab Cake

County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge - Professional Chefs Awards

As voted on by professional chefs in Atlantic City & Chef Carmine Di Giovanni

  • Gold Medal Taste: Camden County Technical Schools

American BBQ Asian Fusion

  • Silver Medal Taste: Hudson County Schools of technology

Carbonara Y Pepe

  • Bronze Medal Taste: Cumberland Technical Education Center

Grilled Maryland Crab Cake

  • Gold Medal Food Presentation: Camden County Technical Schools

American BBQ Asian Fusion

  • Silver Medal Food Presentation: Passaic County Technical Schools

Ying Yang Vegetarian Egg Rolls & Chicken Dumplings

  • Bronze Medal Food Presentation: Hudson County Schools of Technology

Carbonara Y Pepe

Additional fantastic dishes included: Birria Tacos with Mexican Style Pickled Vegetables by the Bergen County Technical School, Paramus; Cape May County Zoo Crepes by the Cape May County Technical Schools; Beef Skirt Steak Korean Style by the Monmouth County Vocational School District; Pan Roasted Monkfish by the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools; and, Duck Confit by the Somerset County Vocational Technical Schools. And, a special thanks to students from the Gloucester County Institute of Technology of Technology for singing a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem at the Board of Directors Kick-Off Meeting.

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