Competition Trip

Hello! My name is Haley Cogley. I’m a senior at Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in the Culinary Arts program. This year, I competed in Skills USA, a nationwide competition to show off skills in the workforce, in the Culinary Arts competition. I had three hours to make a three course meal including a soup, salad, and chicken entree. Through a few tough weeks of preparation and practice, I was able to feel confident and ready. I utilized all my ingredients with minimal waste, and conquered all the challenges I faced that day, and truly felt the best I’ve ever felt while competing.

After a stressful three hours, I ended up winning first place! Going up on stage and hearing my name after ‘first place’ made me feel like I was on top of the world. With state champion under my belt, my new task ahead is nationals. This year, the national competition is being held in June in Atlanta, Georgia! I am so excited to go, but I need a little help. The cost of the trip is too much for me on my own, and I’d never ask for help unless I need it. The cost includes the flights, as well as the hotel and other big expenses for the trip.

Going to nationals would truly make my entire year. I have dedicated so much time into my career, working three jobs at one point to help expand my experience, and this opportunity would be too good to pass up. My goal one day is to own my own restaurant, and the experiences from Skills USA truly have helped and will continue to help me reach that goal. Any help is greatly appreciated, and I hope that I am able to make it to Atlanta in June.

Thank you.