10/07/2026
Congrats to September Professional of the Month, Leilani Tover! Leilani is a senior at Cony High School and a second-year student in the Culinary Arts program at Capital Area Technical Center. She enjoys the hands-on nature of the program and the opportunity to develop culinary techniques and skills in a field she is passionate about pursuing.
One of Leilani’s greatest accomplishments has been her experience as a member of the ProStart Culinary Team. After helping her team win the State of Maine competition, she had the opportunity to compete at the national competition in Baltimore. She hopes to return to the national competition again this year and continue building her skills and experience in the culinary industry.
Leilani’s instructor, Chef Patrick Austin, describes her as a dedicated and dependable leader in the kitchen. “Leilani consistently demonstrates leadership, dedication and a strong commitment to the Culinary Arts program. One of the qualities that makes Leilani stand out is her quiet confidence. She leads by example, approaches tasks with focus, and is always willing to step up when her classmates need guidance or support. She has become a dependable leader in our kitchen and someone her peers can look to for a positive example.”
Outside of CATC, Leilani enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy books, listening to classic rock music, and playing video games. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in culinary arts, with the long-term goal of owning and operating her own restaurant or bakery.
Leilani’s passion for the culinary arts, quiet leadership, and commitment to developing her skills make her an excellent representative of the Culinary Arts program and a deserving Professional of the Month.
