In April, high school seniors from across the U.S. and Canada competed in Best Teen Chef Local Cook-off Competitions at participating International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes locations throughout North America including, The Art Institute of Charleston.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charleston’s Best Teen Chef Local Cook-off Competition first place winner, Liggett hails from Kansas City and is currently a senior at Broadmoor Technical Center where he spends about 35 hours a week in culinary classes and helps in the student-run restaurant. Liggett will receive a $3000 tuition scholarship to attend The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charleston.

He said, “I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but it was really my high school program (Broadmoor Technical Center) that helped me turn my passion into a future career. The ‘Broadmoor Bistro’ which has service to the public once a week, has really shaped what I have wanted to do in the culinary world.

He added, “Getting the opportunity to work at restaurants like the ones in Charleston would be a great networking tool for my culinary career.”

The second place winner was Troy Richardson from Columbia, S.C., who won a $2000 scholarship. Finishing in third place was Blake Peoples of Anderson, S.C., who will receive a $1000 scholarship. All other competitors received a $500 scholarship for all of their hard work.

Liggett along with the 35 first place winners from the Local Cook-off Competition at participating Art Institutes schools will progress to Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition on Saturday, May 15, at The Art Institute of Houston.

The top prize winner in the competition can earn a full-tuition scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, certificate program or diploma program to study Culinary Arts at one of the more than 30 participating Art Institutes locations.

In addition to a full-tuition scholarship and the title of Best Teen Chef 2010, the national first place winner will be an “Intern for a Day” at Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The winner will also receive a tour of Food Network’s studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef’s restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbooks.

For more information on the Best Teen Chef Competition, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=AI2113.