Jen's Graduation from Culinary School

We were so proud to attend Jen's graduation from culinary school.  She received an associate culinary degree from Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte North Carolina.  We were amazed by her ability to attend school full time and at times work work two to three other part time jobs to support herself.  

The graduation ceremony was held at the TimeWarner Cable Arena, home of the Charlotte Bobcats.  It was a very nice venue for the graduation ceremoney.  

There are Scottish roots at the college.  An excellent bag pipe group led the opening ceremonies.

The arena was full of proud parents, family, and friends.  

The graduate after the ceremony

A very proud father and his daughter

One of Jen's first jobs in Charlotte was as a pastry chef with Nobles Restaurant.  She was very interested in  pursuing this career and has learned so much at this wonderful restaurant.  She helps make all the breads and desserts for Nobles and several other restaurants owned by Chef Jim Noble.   She has to get up very early in the morning to have everything ready in time for the lunch and evening customers. This just amazes me, since mornings were never her best time of the day.  :)

While she continues to work part-time at Nobles, she has also recently started working at an Olympic Training Site facility called the U.S. National Whitewater Center.  She helps manage the restaurants and staff for this outdoor recreation area.  We visited this center and were amazed at all the activities available.  It is the worlds larges re-circulating  river and offers many challenges and lots of family fun. 

Rivers Edge Restaurant and Bar

You can white water raft rapid with a guide in Class II - V rapids.  Or, you  can also take your own kayak or paddle down a much calmer river in the back

There are  climbing walls and a very popular adventure course.  You are connected by a harness and balance on cables as your work your way through the course.  It an opportunity to definitely work on your balance and bravery.  Here is Jen on the Mega Jump-a forty foot free fall. 

Here she goes...I decided to just take pictures!

We had a wonderful visit and are so proud of her and all she has accomplished.