In 2014, Sarah Lavergne was the first student from Durham College’s Centre for Food (CFF), Culinary Skills program to win gold at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) where she competed against more than 500 students from across Canada in more than 40 trade and technology categories. Lavergne claimed the title one month after winning gold in the Culinary Arts category at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition.

Lavergne currently works in the Research and Development department at Mondelez International, one of the largest snack manufacturing companies in the world, producing famous Canadian brands including Peek Freans, Fudgee-O and Crispers. She works with a creative team to develop new product flavours, packaging and concepts. In her position, Lavergne travels to various parts of North America visiting different manufacturing factories and assisting with plant trials of new products.

“While she was a student at DC, Sarah was well respected by her peers and faculty,” says David Hawey, chair, CFF. “In over 20 years of teaching I’ve seen some great students, but Sarah stands out as truly remarkable.”