Moruya TAFE may be celebrating a month of cooking, but anything less than a lifetime won’t be enough for at least one teenage student.
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Sam Lavender, 15, reckons he has a winning career recipe by mixing school and a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
The St Peter’s Anglican College year 10 student attends TAFE one day each week to follow his culinary passions and has already turned the heads of teachers.
While August is the traditional month to celebrate cooking at South Coast campuses, teachers say Sam is a standout any day.
“He is showing incredible enthusiasm and ambition for his age,” hospitality and tourism head teacher Peter O’Kelly said.
Even having to catch up on his other school subjects has not fazed Sam.
“My parents are very supportive,” he said.
“I didn’t think they would be, but they understand that cooking is what I love.
“I want to become a full apprentice after I complete year 12.
“I have always loved to cook.
“I love that you can create something and bring happiness to people.
“When I was seven, I cooked simple things, like spaghetti Bolognaise with the help of Mum.
“Soon I am going to be making beef Wellington and I have made up a couple of my own dishes.”
One is a poached chicken dish flavoured with beetroot powder, served with pumpkin puree and salad greens in a basic vinaigrette.
Sam is learning how hot a real kitchen can get, after scoring a part-time job in Moruya’s hatted establishment, The River.
Teacher Nick Jameson also praised the commercial cookery school’s latest recruit.
“It is a pleasure having him in our group,” he said.