The American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association celebrated the achievements of six local culinary students during the Christmas with the Chefs gala at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Trinity Tavares, Exon Pimentero, Nina Stuart, Minnie Pira, Shanley Tabios, and Mallory Javillonar, all scholarship recipients, are pursuing their culinary education at Hawai‘i Community College-Pālamanui. The gala–aimed at advancing West Hawai‘i’s culinary industry–raised funds for scholarships benefiting both Hawai‘i Community College-Pālamanui culinary students and local high school graduates entering the culinary program.