by Aundrea Cline-Thomas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On Tuesday night, a cafeteria manager with Metro Schools showed off her skills in the kitchen on the Food Network show "Chopped," and it paid off.
Cindy Tinnel was named the winner among four school chefs during the competition that aired Tuesday night. She received $10,000 as a prize.
The episode was taped in May. Contestants had to incorporate specific "mystery" ingredients into a three course meal. After each course there was an elimination to determine who has been "chopped."
Tinnel works at Henry Maxwell Elementary School in Antioch. On Tuesday, students and staff made sure Tinnel knew she had a large cheering section.
"I just started crying and overwhelmed because it's exciting but a little out of my comfort zone," she said.
Posters lined the walls of the cafeteria. Cards were stacked at the register and students even slipped Ms. Cindy, as they call her, notes of encouragement while going through the serving line.
"This is the part I love," Tinnel said while reading one of the notes from a 4th grader.
"Tell them who is the cook is around here. This is a note for good luck," it read.
"I sat on my couch for probably two years watching this program and going I could never do that," Tinnel said in disbelief.
Tinnel's cooking skills were not the only thing that was on display, so was her passion for the well-being of her students.
"I had several that I worried very passionately about not getting enough food for the day," she said.
From children who go without enough to eat, to the obesity epidemic, Tinnel now has a new platform to raise awareness and get the community involved.
"That's kind of where my passion is at right now, is making sure we all are a community helping one another," she said.
