Andrew "AJ" Saldivar, Pierceton, is one of 11 high school seniors competing this weekend for the title of Best Teen Chef 2010 and a $3,000 scholarship to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati.
The son of Ernie and Cheri Saldivar, he is a senior at Warsaw Community High School.
Additionally, the local winner will progress to the national competition, where he or she will compete for a full-tuition scholarship and serve as "intern for a day" at Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The national winner also will receive a tour of Food Network's studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef's restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbook.
Saldivar is the only student from Indiana competing in the local level competition at The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnatti. Nine are from Ohio and one is from Kentucky.
Now in its 11th year, the Best Teen Chef competition awards more than $200,000 in tuition scholarships to The Art Institute's schools to high school seniors in the United States and Canada interesting in pursuing a career in the fast-growing culinary industry.
"It's great to see the passion and enthusiasm for food in the eyes of the Best Teen Chef competitors," said Chef Laird Livingston, culinary director of The Art Institute. "They have a drive, focus and an understanding of food that produces beautifully presented and great-tasing results."For more information on The Best Teen Chef competition, visit online at www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=ai1017
For more information about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit online at www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com
