MCC Student Awarded Third Place in Ice Carving Competition
Palazzo’s ice sculpture was awarded
the third place title as part of the
Connecticut Restaurant Association annual show.
Manchester, Conn. – (November 26, 2007) . . . While ice sculptures are becoming more commonplace and seen at practically every special event, few people actually know how much skill and attention to detail is required for their creation. This past fall, the newly formed MCC Ice Carving Team participated in the American Culinary Federation ice carving competition and was awarded the third place title as part of the Connecticut Restaurant Association annual show held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
Paul Palazzo, of East Granby, represented MCC and competed against professional and amateur carvers from across the country. The carvers were judged on technical skill, design and composition, creativity and originality.
Palazzo is a part-time student majoring in Food Service Management. A Vietnam veteran and 30-year employee of Pratt & Whitney, he always wanted to be professionally trained in culinary arts but never thought he would be attracted to the art form of carving ice. “From my first cut into that ice, I was hooked. I knew that I wanted to learn more about ice carving, and I looked for every opportunity to practice carving and the instructors at MCC always offered the opportunity when they arouse,” stated Palazzo.
Since he started ice carving more than two years ago, Palazzo has participated in several competitions and, in 2006, was awarded first place at the student-only Connecticut Restaurant Show. Due to his score in 2006, Palazzo competed as a professional in the 2007 where he placed third. “I compete to better myself and increase my skill level,” stated Palazzo. “Regardless of the ranking for prize or trophy, the one who walks away from the competition learning from it is the winner.”
Ice carving can be a daunting task and if you add the adrenaline of competition, it can be very intimidating, but not for Palazzo. He plans to continue to perfect his skills through ice carving demonstrations, competitions and other community service events involving professional carvers from the area.
Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.
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