2025 Award for Culinary Excellence

The 2025 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Culinary Excellence was awarded to six graduates from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) today, July 8.

“Each recipient represents the bright future of Nova Scotia’s culinary scene, one defined by excellence, talent and innovation,” said Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage. “I have no doubt this award is the first of many accolades for each culinary student recognized today.”

Recipients honoured at the awards ceremony at Government House in Halifax were:

• Dakota Westaway, culinary skills, Pictou campus, Stellarton
• Darion Besso, culinary management, Sydney Waterfront campus
• Maria Bello, culinary management, Akerley campus, Dartmouth
• Pamela Sanford, baking and pastry arts, Kingstec campus, Kentville
• Victoria Mukoro, culinary management, Kingstec campus, Kentville
• Wynter Dennis, culinary management, Sydney Waterfront campus.

Selection criteria for the awards include academic excellence, commitment to the culinary profession and community engagement.

Quotes:

“We are incredibly grateful for the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia’s ongoing commitment to honouring the talents and hard work of NSCC’s culinary students through the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Culinary Excellence. For the recipients, this prestigious achievement recognizes their dedication to the culinary field that will guide them to success in their careers, making their communities and the college proud.”
— Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College

“Receiving this honour is a very meaningful moment in my journey. It represents the effort, sacrifice and dedication I have put into my education while balancing my roles as a mother, wife, worker and student. It also reminds me that it’s never too late to follow our dreams and that hard work truly pays off. This recognition will be a source of inspiration for me as I take the next steps in the culinary world.”
— Maria Bello, culinary management, Akerley campus

Quick Facts:

• the award was established by former lieutenant-governor Arthur J. LeBlanc in 2019
• the award program is managed through a partnership between NSCC and the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia
• NSCC offers culinary programs specializing in baking and pastry arts, culinary management and culinary skills