Michael Turcotte

Chef Michael Turcotte has taught more than Culinary Arts, he was there to aid my success through out my sophomore year. Turcotte is man that help me when I was vulnerable and blind to the good in my life. Around October of 2018, I had gotten a text message that I torn my acl and I was no longer allowed to play soccer for 8 to 12 months. I vividly remember walking up to his desk, sitting down, and after that my vision blurred. Soccer had been a huge part of who I was and who I am, I had made friendships, I had learned the importance of team work and communication. It was all gone in a blink of an eye, I was dramatic, I thought my life was over. However, Chef Mike thought otherwise, he sat with me and told me that this was only a small part in my lifetime. My life would go on, I will heal within 6 months of my surgery, and if I wanted I could return to soccer or I could create a new path. These words followed me through out my healing process, I became stronger mentally and physically with each passing day. Michael Turcotte still gives me guidance on anything I happen to be struggling with and he helps provide opportunities for students to be more successful in Culinary Arts. During the weekend of prom, there was an event called Nirvana food and Wine, Turcotte allowed around 30 students to sign up for the Best of the West. Its was an opportunity of a lifetime, we got to experience what it was like to work in a professional kitchen. At one point during the night, I had even gotten the pleasure to serve Robert Irvine and Marc Murphy. Chef Mike is amazing man and I believe he deserves more as a teacher than he receives.

Mackenzie Wren