Meet Chef Simone Byron of Meadowcreek High School in Norcross

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Simone Byron.

Chef Simone, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey in education started in 2011 at Meadowcreek High School. I began with 60 students and an old home economics classroom. I’ve managed over the last 7 years to grow the program to over 300 students, founded the school’s/ community’s first community garden, won. 2 NAACP National Culinary titles, won ProStart State competition and was named the National ProStart Educator for 2018.

This past school year I started a 14-week internship program with. Compass Group and conjunction with Thompson Hospitality. The program allows students to work onsite at the Coca-Cola headquarters in their state of the art facilities. This program has become a gem at the headquarters and we were featured in the Coca-Cola Journey- which is a mini-documentary series produced by Coca-Cola.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth?? Absolutely, not! I will say I’ve had great leadership. Dr. Tommy Welch, Meadowcreek HS principal, is a visionary. He challenged me to take the program to another level through student involvement and programs. There’s always hardship with change. This man has managed to transform an entire community through a school building. That’s why he was named Georgia’s Principal of the Year. The journey to this point has not been easy, but strong leadership is what gave me the confidence to continue- to do well.

You always have to be prepared for the “No.”, but be optimistic about them, “Yes.”. Dr. Welch gave me the “Yes.”- multiple times. And his “Yes.” lead to our success.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Meadowcreek High School – what should we know?
Well, this is a student-run program. I am my students! This program embodies the essence of teamwork and ownership through passion. Our catering program is an internal light to the industry in which the students will enter upon completion of the program. It’s one of a kind!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Respectfulness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @meadowcreekculinary @chefsimonebyron

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