NASHVILLE-Tammy Sandlin, daughter of local residents Hershel and Joyce Lacy, was recently honored here as culinary educator of the year by the Middle Tennessee American Culinary Federation (ACF), and her students were also recognized for their accomplishments.

Sandlin is a Celina High School graduate and she has been the culinary arts instructor at Smyrna High School for seven years.  She also serves as the high school representative chairperson for the local ACF chapter.

She attends monthly ACF meetings with an average of 15 of her students–with whom she travels to local restaurants, hotels, venues, food brokers, and country clubs in order to help them learn upcoming trends in food service.

As a testament to her work, one of her students was also honored with the high school culinary award for “the most outstanding culinary arts student who exhibits advancement within the classroom, competition, leadership, and is active in the local ACF chapter.”

The awards banquet featured 150 award-winning Middle Tennessee chefs, food manufacturers, brokers, caterers, wedding planners, high school/college culinary arts instructors/students, parents, spouses, and media.  It was held here at the downtown Hilton.