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Annual Gerard Molloy Memorial Culinary Challenge Held

By President's Office Dec 10, 2025

Dozens of rising chefs from our Culinary Institute of New York (CINY) went head-to-head in an electrifying celebration of culinary skill and creativity on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the annual Gerard Molloy Memorial Culinary Challenge, an event held in honor of the late and beloved CINY instructor who unexpectedly passed away in 2019.

Now in its seventh year, the competitors brought an extraordinary level of talent to this time-honored tradition, culminating in historic excellence by CINY students. Competitors clinched 18 gold medals, surpassing last year’s impressive total of 16 and marking the highest number of golds earned in the event’s history.

The memorial challenge holds deep meaning for the CINY community, especially for Frank Costantino, Dean of the School of Hospitality Management and CINY, who worked closely with Chef Molloy and continues to champion his legacy through the competition.

“Chef Molloy was not only a dear colleague of mine but also a very close friend,” said Dean Costantino. “He was a dedicated educator and really cared about the students in our program. He was also a great competitor, and we worked together on a number of teams nationally and internationally. Gerard was known by many and liked by everyone.”

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) certified event brought together students across levels to prepare and present two portions of a signature entrée or dessert in just one hour. Competitors participated in either culinary or pastry categories, executing dishes designed by Dean Costantino as part of their rigorous training. While he coaches them throughout the preparation process, once the competition begins, the students are fully on their own.

This year’s gold medalists included an extraordinary showing from both upper-level and first-year students:

 Senior Gold Medalists

  • Yeishalee Santana
  • Angel Yoguez
  • Evi Mathis
  • Jacklyn Kirchberger
  • Bradley Torres
  • Lashae Gaitor 

Freshman Gold Medalists

  • Michael Hindley
  • Jasmine Shea
  • Michael Pagan Jr.
  • Justine Cepeda
  • Ajani Ture
  • Jacob Peterson
  • Ella Lombardo
  • Byron Oterocortez
  • Jimeh Soukouna
  • Nelida Flores
  • Nevea Austic

CINY alumnus Frankie Costantino Jr., Dean Costantino’s son and professional chef, also competed and earned a gold medal, demonstrating the continued excellence of CINY graduates after they’ve graduated.

As in previous years, a panel of nine veteran judges, including three Emeritus judges, traveled from across the U.S. to evaluate the competitors’ precision, technique, flavor profiles, and presentation. We were honored and pleased to welcome among other Emeritus Judges and Golden Toque Members Thomas Recinella from Michigan, Dave Turcotte from Maine, and Mickey Beriau from Massachusetts to CINY to judge.