Windsor Central High School senior Jordan Mahar won the silver medal at the New York State Skills USA Competition in the Food Preparation Assistant Basic category.

“I was not really expecting to get second. I thought I would at least get fifth, maybe. But it was a complete shock for me and my friends who were there,” said Mahar.

Mahar had to demonstrate his knowledge of common kitchen equipment and then make a Turkey wrap with a side of mac salad.

“We had two hours to make the wrap and mac salad. For me, that wasn’t a worry. I got it done quickly, so I didn’t have to rush,” said Mahar.

Mahar is in the Culinary Arts program at BOCES.

“You learn the ins and outs of the kitchen and food making. You learn how to cook chicken properly, how to make dishes with the chicken, and how to plate chicken. It’s not all chicken. It’s veggies, we learn about herbs,” said Mahar. “If being a chef doesn’t work, I’d like to lean into music. I don’t know if I want to produce music for others to use or make my own.”

Mahar plans to attend SUNY Broome for Culinary Arts. He also works at Downtown by Chef Jay Pisculli in Binghamton.