The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, September 2015 … Benchmark Hospitality International® has announced the recipient of the Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship for 2015. This year’s recipient is Pattee Graves, a culinary student at Gateway Technical College in Racine, Wisconsin. Ms. Graves also works within the hospitality industry, serving as steward and prep cook at The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architectural masterpiece. The scholarship, launched in 2009 in partnership with The James Beard Foundation in New York City, celebrates the life and legacy of Benchmark Hospitality’s first vice president of food & beverage, the late Bob Zappatelli. The annual scholarship, which will help Ms. Graves to continue her culinary education, serves as a memorial to Mr. Zappatelli’s enthusiasm for the advancement of the culinary arts, and his championing of new culinary talent.
“We are thrilled that Pattee is the recipient this year of the James Beard Foundation Bob Zappatelli Culinary Arts Scholarship,” said Tom Garcia, Benchmark’s vice president food & beverage. “Bob would have been very pleased with her selection as he understood the challenge of working and attending school at the same time. Pattee began her culinary career ten years ago and had always hoped to be able to attend culinary school. This scholarship will help her dream become a reality."
