Student in the Spotlight-Winter 2007…

On Saturday morning, January 13, 2007, a very special student received his degree from the world acclaimed school of culinary arts, Le Cordon Bleu.  This student is none other than Bro. La’Monte Jackson.  He was the proudest among 199 other students, all graduating Chefs who had completed a very difficult 15 months of course work! Le Cordon Bleu’s first location was in Paris, France and it was founded in 1895.  Since that time, the school has 100’s of campuses operating all over the world.

 La’Monte states that his interest in culinary arts began as early as when he was 4 years old assisting his mother in the kitchen.  He decided to pursue this degree at the persuasion of a former boss.  He worked at the restaurant as a dish washer, bust boy, waiter and as a food prep person.  The restaurant later closed giving La’Monte an opportunity to pursue his degree.

 La’Monte has a powerful testimony of how he has overcome many obstacles in his life and how God blesses him to continue to defeat the plan of the enemy.  He states that the restaurant industry is a very tough one and is very competitive, but that he knows that with “Christ he can do all things.” He states that along with Christ in his life, sheer determination played a big factor in his accomplishment. 

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 Everyone is so proud of La’Monte.  His maternal grandmother and two uncles were able to travel from South Carolina for the graduation, Elder & Sis. Roscoe Black from Bishopville/Florence, SC, his brother Timothy and a long time friend and his family from Columbia, SC.  Pastor & Sis. Deas were also in attendance.  A reception given by La’Monte’s parents was held at the church and other saints came by to join the celebration since they weren’t able to attend the graduation.

 La’Monte sings in the choir, serves as Vice President for the Youth Department, has a gift of encouragement, and has a great zeal for the work of the Lord and his local church.

 La’Monte has recently done some catering and looks forward to traveling, perhaps on a cruise ship working as a chef.  His ultimate dream and goal is to open his own restaurant one day. Congratulations La’Monte!!