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Holmes Community College Culinary Arts students earned top honors at the Salvation Army’s annual Bowls of Blessings charity event held Sunday, March 8, at the Mississippi Trade Mart.
Representing Holmes at the competition were students Patrick Kelly and Airiyana Humphrey. The duo prepared a dish titled “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” a creative soup inspired by the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, which they paired with a refreshing Pineapple Margarita mocktail. Their entry impressed judges and attendees alike, earning first-place honors for the second consecutive year for the Holmes Culinary Arts program.
The annual Bowls of Blessings event, hosted by The Salvation Army, brings together chefs, restaurants and culinary students from across Mississippi to compete in a friendly cooking competition while raising funds for the organization’s community outreach and assistance programs. Attendees sample a variety of soups prepared by competitors and vote for their favorites, with proceeds supporting local Salvation Army initiatives.
For Holmes students, the competition provides a valuable opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity while gaining real-world experience in a high-energy event setting. Kelly and Humphrey represented the college well, demonstrating both skill and teamwork as they prepared and presented their dish to judges and guests.
The Holmes Culinary Arts program continues to provide hands-on training and opportunities for students to participate in competitions and community events that highlight their talents. Bringing home first place for the second year in a row reflects both the dedication of the students and the strength of the program.
Through events like Bowls of Blessings, Holmes students not only sharpen their culinary skills but also give back to the community—serving up creativity, compassion and a winning dish.
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Holmes Culinary Arts students Patrick Kelly and Airiyana Humphrey represented the college at the Salvation Army’s Bowls of Blessings charity event, and their winning soup was served by Rising Star Celebrity Server Caimbrie Coughlin. Pictured are (left to right) Patrick Kelly, Caimbrie Coughlin and Airiyana Humphrey.
