Washington State Chefs Association Announces 2026 Evelyn Enslow Scholarship Recipient
The Washington State Chefs Association (WSCA) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 Fall Evelyn Enslow Scholarship in the amount of $3,000 to Chef Clara Jensen.
Please join us in congratulating this year's winner as they continue their culinary education at Bates Technical College.
During the review process, the selection committee consistently highlighted three key strengths in the winning application:
- Professional Passion: A clear, genuine dedication to the culinary field.
- Defined Career Goals: A well-thought-out vision for their future in the industry.
- Community Engagement: Active involvement with both the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and our local WSCA chapter.
Supporting dedicated culinary students is core to our mission. WSCA is proud to count this year's recipient among our long line of scholars, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.
In Clara's Own Words
My Culinary Background
My journey in the culinary arts began in my family’s kitchen. I have early memories of baking holiday treats. By age six, my parents gave me an apron and knife to nurture my interest. The kitchen became a sentimental place for me. My early passion inspired me to join YMCA cooking classes. It also motivated me to transfer to the Technical High School program at Bates Technical College to spend the whole school day in the kitchen.
Competitions and Mentorship
During high school and college, I took part in various competitions. These included ProStart, where my team won state and ranked 12th nationally, and the Bite of Apprentice, where we earned the People’s Choice award. These experiences taught me how to communicate under pressure, work as a team, and remain humble.
My development has been supported by my instructors, who endorsed my scholarship application. My high school culinary instructor, Chef Kahale Ahina, wrote:
“Clara possesses not only the technical knowledge and work ethic necessary to succeed in the culinary industry, but also the patience, leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm required to inspire the next generation of students.”
My senior culinary instructor at Bates, Chef Anthony Brooks, noted:
“Clara demonstrated maturity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for learning... She is an outstanding student whose dedication, character, and commitment to excellence make her deserving of this opportunity.”
Looking Forward
Receiving the Washington State Chefs Association Fall Scholarship provides essential financial support for my next steps. I will use this scholarship for tuition and textbooks at Central Washington University, where I am earning a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Sciences. In five years, I aim to return to the classroom as a high school culinary teacher. There, I can share my passion for cooking and inspire future students.