Senate Resolution No. 2039

BY: Senator OBERACKER

CONGRATULATING the SUNY Delhi Hot Food Teams for
consecutive championship success and continued
excellence in American Culinary Federation
competition

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend rare
accomplishments in competition, paying special recognition to those who
pursue such excellence in the course of their academic careers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
the SUNY Delhi Hot Food Teams for their exceptional achievements during
the 2025 and 2026 American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition
seasons; and

WHEREAS, Since the early 2000s, SUNY Delhi students have proudly
participated in American Culinary Federation Student Team competitions;
over the years, these students have competed against top culinary
institutions across New York State and the nation, consistently
demonstrating the skill, discipline, professionalism, and creativity
that define SUNY Delhi's culinary programs; and

WHEREAS, After claiming the Northeast Regional Championship, the
2025 SUNY Delhi Hot Food Team advanced to compete against regional
champions from across the country at the ACF National Competition held
in Las Vegas, Nevada; and

WHEREAS, Since 1992, the American Culinary Federation Student
Competition has served to develop young professionals, raising the
standards of culinary excellence and professionalism through rigorous
competition that challenges students to apply classroom learning at the
highest level; and

WHEREAS, In a remarkable showcase of culinary skill, creativity, and
composure under pressure, the 2025 SUNY Delhi Hot Food Team-Brennan
Spencer, Sarthak Thapa, Moses Rojas, Matthew Caliendo, and Derik Cole,
with apprentices Jahnasia Sutton and Joseph Kariuki, and coaches Chef
Victor Sommo and Chef Sean Pehrsson-executed a four course menu titled
"Journey through the Catskill Mountains"; and

WHEREAS, This outstanding team highlighted locally sourced produce,
dairy, fish, and lamb, impressing judges with advanced techniques,
balanced flavors, refined presentation, impeccable timing, cleanliness,
and professionalism, earning a near perfect gold medal score of 97 and
the designation of Student Team of the Year at the 2025 American
Culinary Federation National Competition; and

WHEREAS, Building upon this legacy of excellence, the 2026 SUNY
Delhi Hot Food Team captured the program's third consecutive Northeast
Regional Championship, earning the opportunity to advance to the
American Culinary Federation National Championships in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and to defend SUNY Delhi's national title; and

WHEREAS, The 2026 SUNY Delhi Hot Food Team is comprised of Captain
Kevin Sorto, Kevin Christy, Nicholas McGovern, Lauren Stevens, and
Julian Grant, and is led by coaches Chef Victor Sommo and Chef Sean
Pehrsson, whose continued leadership has been instrumental in sustaining
the program's competitive success; and

WHEREAS, With a distinguished history that includes multiple
Northeast Regional Championships and National Championships in 2010,
2012, and 2025, the SUNY Delhi Hot Food Teams exemplify the highest
standards of culinary education, teamwork, and professionalism, serving
as ambassadors for the college and the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges both teams for their individual and collective
accomplishments, their contributions to local and State history, and
their vital role in advancing the culinary arts, confidently
anticipating their continued success; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the SUNY Delhi Hot Food Teams for their consecutive
championship success and continued excellence in American Culinary
Federation competition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members, apprentices, and coaches of the SUNY Delhi
Hot Food Teams.