Star Career Academy Graduate Wins 2012 GREAT Award From Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities

LONG ISLAND, N.Y., March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brook Herritt, a student at the Culinary Academy of Long Island at Star Career Academy, was one of five students honored nationwide by the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) with a Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement and Talent (GREAT) Award.

Herritt was presented with the award at the APSCU's annual Hill Day, a three-day conference, which includes meetings, seminars and breakout sessions on a variety of education centered agenda topics. The event culminates in the GREAT Awards, honoring students who have overcome adversity to achieve lofty goals.

"It's an honor to receive this award," said Herritt. "It is often surreal to be working in the field that I wanted to for so long. After putting my education on hold because of an illness, and then later to raise a family, it felt amazing to attend the Culinary Academy of Long Island at Star Career Academy, and now to finally be achieving my culinary dreams."

Herritt dropped out of Suffolk Community College, when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 18. Through surgery, radiation, and double door isolation she won her battle, and beat the disease.

Having experienced first-hand how uncertain life can be, Herritt decided to start a family and put her career aspirations on the back burner. Thirteen years, five kids, one happy marriage and a healthy addiction to cooking shows later, she decided to return to school and pursue her culinary dreams. She enrolled in the Long Island Star Career Academy's Commercial Cooking Evening program, and quickly rose to the top of the class, graduating as class valedictorian.

"Although her required internship was only scheduled and recognized at 16 hours per week, Brook happily labored up to 60 hours – unpaid, mind you - while her husband worked two jobs in order support the large family," said Victor J. McNulty, Corporate Chef at Star Career Academy, who nominated Herritt for the award.

Herritt is currently working as a Culinary Production Manager and Food Stylist for the Food Network at locations throughout the tri-state area, most recently on the upcoming season of The Next Food Network Star.

Herritt earlier won a similar award from the New York Coalition of Career schools. Visit www.starcareeracademy.com.

SOURCE Star Career Academy

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