MANSFIELD — For years, Pam Mock taught high school students the basics of cooking, relishing each moment when students found success with the different dishes they prepared.
The Madison Comprehensive High School teacher of 35 years said the most rewarding part of her job was witnessing students experience an “aha moment.”
“I just loved that part — being there when they say, ‘Oh my gosh it really worked,'” she said.
The Mansfield native comes from a family of food service professionals and was introduced to cooking and baking at a young age.
“I was raised cooking and I always enjoyed it,” she said.
Mock was recently recognized for her culinary expertise. The American Culinary Federation Akron-Canton Cooks and Chefs Association named her “Chef of the Year.” A celebratory six-course dinner was held in her honor in October.
“I was really excited,” she said.
The menu, which featured butternut squash and sweet potato bisque, cranberry sorbet, 24-hour braised beef short rib with crispy mushrooms and topped with port wine demi, among other delectable dishes, was prepared by the previous chef of the year.
“So next year will be my turn (to prepare the meal),” she said.
Although that’s quite the task, she’s looking forward to it.
“He (her son, Tyler) promised me that he’ll come up and we’ll cook together for the next meal,” Mock said.
Tyler is a chef in Columbus, Georgia.
“I love working with him in the kitchen,” she said.
During Mock’s retirement, she taught baking and pastry for two years at the University of Akron.
“I had a couple kids from my baking class at Akron who have opened little bakeries, so that’s pretty neat,” she said.
For the past eight years, she’s served as a ProStart regional coordinator with the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation. As a regional coordinator, Mock visits schools throughout the state and helps students earn certification from the National Restaurant Association and helps them find prospective culinary arts careers.
Mock has been a member of the Ohio Restaurant Association for 35 years and a member of the American Culinary Federation for 11 years. She currently serves as the vice president of the Akron-Canton Cooks and Chefs Association.
Mock has three sons (Thom, Trevor and Tyler) with her husband, David, of 41 years.
She enjoys sharing her culinary talents, whether it be hosting elaborate bridal showers, catering gourmet dinners or cooking meals for the homeless.
Deb Pickens spoke fondly of Mock. The duo taught culinary arts together for about 15 years at Madison Comprehensive High School.
“She loved the students and she was just so patient with them, easygoing and fun. Fun, fun, fun,” she said.
Pickens said Mock is deserving of the title, “Chef of the Year,” noting that years prior Mock was named “Chef Instructor of the Year” by the Akron-Canton Cooks and Chefs Association. In 2008, Mock was awarded the designation Ohio National Restaurant Association ProStart “Teacher of Excellence.”
“She deserves it,” Pickens said. “And she’s such a nice person.”
