Stafford Technical Center

Alumni Profile

Nick DeLauri Culinary Arts Program – Class of 2006

For Nick DeLauri, his passion for cooking began in his Italian grandmother’s kitchen. As a child he would often help her prepare the family staple of sauce and meatballs. It seemed fitting that he was destined to become a chef.

When Nick first visited Stafford Technical Center as a Rutland High School student, he was immediately drawn to their Culinary Arts Program. He applied and was accepted as a sophomore. Under the watchful eye of instructor Chef Barry Ferraro and his assistant, Chef Greg Lynch, Nick nurtured and developed his craft. He credits Chef Ferraro and Chef Lynch for teaching him to perfect his cooking skills, and more importantly, to be professional and responsible . Nick spent two years (10th and 11th grades) in Stafford’s Culinary Arts Program. During 11th grade he did a tech prep course through the New England Culinary Institute (NECI).

As a senior he was not eligible to come back to Stafford for a third year. Students are only allowed to spend two consecutive years in one program area. However, on rare occasions students are invited back to support the instructors. Nick returned to Culinary Arts for his senior year, as a teaching assistant. It helped build his resume for college and to remain for part of the school day, in a program he loved. He went on to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York where he was one of the top students in his 2008 graduating class. While at CIA he did his externship with 21 Federal Restaurant on Nantucket Island, MA. After graduation Nick returned to his Rutland roots. He started a business, “Above the Rest Catering”, and spends May through October working at the prestigious 21 Federal Restaurant.

Yet, he still maintains his connection with Stafford. He loves the teaching aspect of culinary and wants to impart his knowledge to others. Currently Nick instructs four culinary classes in Stafford’s Adult & Continuing Education Division and occasionally fills in when Chef Ferraro needs him during the day.

Nick’s ultimate goal is to become a Culinary Arts instructor for high school students at a technical center. He enjoys experimenting with different flavors and incorporating healthy ingredients into cuisine. His philosophy is to try and make it fun and interesting for students while teaching them proper cooking techniques. He maintains that Stafford Technical Center’s Culinary Arts Program does an “exceptional job” of preparing students to be successful in culinary school and within the industry.