The smartest culinary students in the west represent the Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) in Kirkland according to the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The LWTech team took home a gold medal in the ACF Western Region Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl, held during ChefConnect: Indy, ACF’s Central/Western Regional Conference, April 12-14, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

The five student team members competed against five other teams for the title.

The team will compete for the national title at Cook. Craft. Create. ACF National Convention and Show is July 30 through Aug. 3 in Orlando, Fla.

“We are very honored to represent the Western region at the ACF national competition in Orlando this summer,” said coach Janet Waters. “Each year, I’m more and more impressed with the caliber of the students who compete at regionals and this competition is so important to our students. Having the opportunity to represent our region and our college is such an honor for our students.

The Lake Washington Institute of Technology team competed against five other teams for the overall winning score. Three other teams received medals.