It was an easy yes when Pensacola Eggfest asked Local Pulse to team up and give one very hardworking and deserving graduate of Pace Center for Girls a $1,000 scholarship to go towards her culinary college degree.
Why? Because nothing brings people together like good food. Food is a universal language and one of the simplest joys and comforts of life.
We also deeply admire and respect all the work Pace Center for Girls does for the young women in our community. Out of our love for both of these things, we wanted to honor one of their recent graduates who has chosen food as a path to their future.
Katey Warne was chosen to receive our scholarship and a better candidate could not have been picked. Not only has Katey already been accepted to Pensacola State College’s Culinary Program, but shares the same values around food and the way that it can bring people together.
”I use food to connect with people. I try and make things people enjoy because just seeing people happy, it makes it worth it. It makes me feel like I accomplished something to make other people feel happy,” Katey said.
Katey’s love for food and cooking started at young age preparing fried rice with her Aunt Gayle. Growing up she also experienced hardships, which not only lead her to Pace Center for Girls, but gave food a new meaning.
“In five years I hope that I can have my own food place. Everyone is hungry and everyone needs to eat. Even if someone couldn’t afford a meal, I hope one day that I can provide it,” said Katey.
We had the absolute pleasure of providing Katey with her scholarship check at the Pace Center for Girls graduation that took place last night, August 3rd. It’s one thing to write about positive news, but it’s even more rewarding to be able to create good news.
“Pace Center for Girls wouldn’t exist without our fabulous community partners. Knowing that there are complete strangers out there investing in my life and my future makes me feel loved and valued,” Katey said during her graduation speech.
Congratulations to Katey and all the graduates of Pace Center for Girls — believe in yourself and know that you have the power to create the life you envision. We are cheering you on every step of the way!
About Pace Center for Girls
Since 1985, Pace has been on a mission to find the great in every girl. Pace is a non-profit organization that provides academic classes, counseling and social services to middle and high school girls. We provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy. To learn more about their program visit their website here.
