To view a photo gallery from the trip, visit http://www.nraef.org/headline/headline_gri_photos_2008.asp

The students who earned the NRAEF/GRI Giacomo Bologna Scholarship are:

• Steven Bookbinder, The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York
• Paul Brusca, Florida Culinary Institute, West Palm Beach, Florida
• Abigail Canfield, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
• Bruce Moody, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
• Barrett "Chance" Morgan, Culinary Institute at Platt College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Aubree Snader, The University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware

The students were overjoyed with their experience – here are but a few of their comments:
• “I leave this amazing experience with a new appreciation for not only every aspect of food and wine, but also for the culture of Italy and of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The authenticity of the food and the genuine hospitality of the area is something that I hope to convey through my future work.” – Aubree Snader.

• “A culinary dream trip, perfectly planned with personable guides – this was a once in a life time experience while making life long friends.” – Bruce Moody

• “This scholarship gave me the opportunity to experience Italy in a way that showcased the wonderful food, wine and hospitality of Friuli Venezia Giulia.  The cooking demos were invaluable.  We tasted flavors that were indigenous to the region and learned techniques that you do not get to see in the States.  Being able to interact with the chefs and ask questions really made the lessons truly memorable.  I cannot express how lucky I feel to have been awarded this scholarship.” ¬– Paul Brusca 

To apply for the Giacomo Bologna Scholarship, students must have at least two years of culinary experience and/or viticulture training, working directly with a chef in the preparation of food or with a sommelier.  Applicants must also be full-time students in an accredited college or culinary institute.  Only six students are selected to attend this incredible workshop.

“Education has always been at the core of GRI's mission for the last 30 years.  The incredible comments from the students reinforce why we remain committed to continue our partnership with the NRAEF to further expand the knowledge of Italian Cuisine and the products to the next generation of the industry," said Tony May, Chairman of GRI and Owner of San Domenico New York.  

The NRAEF’s Scholarships Program awards $1.7 million annually to high school and undergraduate students and educators committed to furthering their education or professional development in restaurant and foodservice management.  The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the largest employers in the U.S. with 13.1 million employees, and an additional 2 million positions will be added over the next decade.  And the NRAEF’s programs have proven successful at recruiting and training the workforce needed to meet the industry’s growth -- 81 percent of students who have received an NRAEF scholarship are still studying and/or working in the industry.

For more information on the NRAEF’s Scholarships Program, visit www.nraef.org/scholarships.  To download photos from the event, visit http://www.nraef.org/headline/headline_gri_photos_2008.asp

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About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the educational mission of the National Restaurant Association. As the nation's second largest private sector employer, the restaurant and foodservice industry is the cornerstone of the American economy, of career-and-employment opportunities, and of local communities. Revenues from all NRAEF products and services benefit the industry by supporting the NRAEF's educational initiatives.   For more information on the NRAEF, visit www.nraef.org.