"When I found out that Nash Community College had a culinary program close to my home, I knew that it was where I had to be. I was excited about being able to fulfill my passion for cooking and still being able to be home with my family,” Speight said. “With my culinary degree from Nash Community College , I would like to open a bakery. I know that I have a lot more to learn before making that dream become a reality, but I also know that I am getting the best tools to build a solid base to meet my goal. Being a student at Nash Community College is a great way to receive those tools.”

Almonica has earned certifications by the National Restaurant Association in ServSafe Food Safety and Alcohol Safety and ManageFirst in Customer Service, Menu Marketing and Restaurant Management. She has also assisted in campus culinary events where she successfully demonstrated program knowledge and leadership ability by counseling and guiding new students.

"I have had the distinct pleasure of having Almonica Speight as a student for the past two years in the Culinary Technology Program. Almonica is an extremely hard worker who has excelled in all aspects of the program," NCC Hotel and Restaurant Management Instructor Greg Quintard said.

Upon completion of her two-year degree in Culinary Technology, with an anticipated graduation of fall 2010, she plans to complete the NCC Hotel and Restaurant Management Program.