Four Skagit Valley College culinary arts student chefs recently earned medals at a two-day American Culinary Federation, or ACF, regional competition in Bellingham.

Student competitors traveled from Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Washington.

The judges were ACF-certified judges, the furthest judge traveling from Kentucky.

Representing Skagit College culinary arts, Ellie Ferguson, of Coupeville, won a gold medal, and Clifton Cates, of Oak Harbor, won a silver medal in the Cold Pastry category. Ellie and Clifton had 15 minutes to set up, 90 minutes to cook and 10 minutes to plate.

To prepare for the competition, the SVC team practiced for four months, several times each week. During the final week, they practiced each day.

The Skagit Valley College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program prepares students for careers within the food industry. Learning experiences include practical lab work, classroom instruction, independent and cooperative study in baking, food preparation, restaurant cooking, customer service, banquets, catering and hospitality management.