Mason Has Been Honored by Placer County Supervisors

This morning, Mason, Dave and I attended the Placer County Supervisors meeting where Mason received the Commemorative Coin Award for the hard work he put in to raising $26,052 to improve the kitchen at his school. 

As the project moved forward, it turns out that with the age of the school, the kitchen will not be able to be modified as we had hoped, but the good news is that we will install a food science lab where there will be a stove/oven, sink, refrigerators, work station island and all the tools necessary for the kids to learn about food science and learn to cook. This is really cool! As Mason's mom, I am tickled that Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery recognized the monumental accomplishment that was originated by a then third grader. Here is what was read about Mason and his accomplishment and the photos of him receiving his award:

MASON PARTAK

• Mason Partak was not a typical third-grader (now in fifth grade). He’s an accomplished cook who makes celebrity appearances at special events, teaches other children to cook and competes against adults at cooking demonstrations and recipe contests.
• Perhaps most impressive is his successful effort to raise funds to improve the kitchen at his school, Alta Vista Community Charter School in Auburn. In December, Mason and his supporters passed their $25,000 target.

• When Mason started his crusade, Alta Vista School’s kitchen did not have a stove or oven and the dishwater didn’t work.
• Mason decided the school needed a fully functional kitchen that could serve hot, nutritious meals and be used as a classroom where students could learn to cook.
• Many students and their families supported the campaign. Working at the 20th Annual Mountain Mandarin Festival, for example, they raised $5,800 for the new kitchen.

• As a result of their efforts, the school will be able to install a fully functioning Food Science Lab.

• Students will learn to cook with a culinary curriculum created by the school district and local chefs.
• At the end of each school year, the school will hold a special luncheon with food prepared by the students. 

• Mason is an 11-year-old who discovered his passion for cooking while still a toddler.

• He began baking with his mom when two years old; and has been wowing judges and audiences at cooking demonstrations and recipe contests since 2010. 
• He often is the youngest contestant in recipe contests – and finds himself competing against adults who have at least 20 years more experience baking and cooking.
• Nonetheless, he often places in the top three.
• Last Thursday night, his chili recipe took the top prize at his schools first annual chili cook off - there were 16 entries.

• Mason also teaches other children to cook.

• He uses You Tube videos to show kids how easy it is and has tutorials that teach specific techniques.
• His favorite is “What the heck is this thing for?” – a series that introduces kids to kitchen tools and demonstrates how to use them.

• He appears at events such as the California State Fair, Mountain Mandarin Festival, The Lion’s, Celebrity Chef Challenge and Auburn Home Shows.
• His long-term goal: becoming the first kid cook on the Food Network.
• Mason’s philosophy is that kids who can cook are more confident in all areas of their lives.
• That kind of thinking certainly makes sense to me. I’m honored to present this commemorative coin to Mason today – and look forward to hearing about his future endeavors and accomplishments.