Tri-County RVTHS STEAM Camp Student Appears on The Food Network Kid’s BBQ Competition

Issue Date: 
June, 2017
Article Body: 

Last summer Gabriella “Gabi” Valeri, a resident of North Attleboro, enrolled in Tri-County Regional’s STEAM Cooking Camp called, “Hey Mom and Dad, Let Me Cook Dinner!” During the camp, Gabi learned how to prepare healthy meals and snacks while learning proper knife handling skills, safety in the kitchen and how to read and follow recipes like a chef. She also trained in planting and tending in the Tri-County School Garden, where she received tips for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Gabi first learned about the Food Network Kids BBQ show on the Internet. She was interested in competing for the chance to win $10,000 and the title of Kids BBQ Champion. She decided to enter. She was elated when she was contacted by the show and invited to participate in an online casting interview via Skype. From there, she was asked to submit a YouTube video of her grilling. After that she was contacted to meet face-to-face with the Executive Producer of the show. She was so excited when she heard she was chosen to be on the roster of kid competitors.
Gabi barbecued on the Food Network Kids BBQ Father’s Day Feast episode airing on Monday, June 12, 2017. She competed against three other talented kids to whip up a feast for Dad’s day and hope to delight hosts Eddie Jackson and Damaris Phillips and guest judge Roger Mooking.
“We wanted to share this amazing opportunity, because we felt the skills she learned in Tri-County’s STEAM Camp greatly increased her chances of making it on the show,” said Gabriella’s mother, Marguerite Valeri. “This was her only formal instruction.”
Tri-County’s licensed teachers use their industry expertise to teach campers about everything from Engineering Technology to Cosmetology.
“We wish Gabi the best of luck and are so proud of her,” said Jean George, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County.