The Lebanon County Career and Technical Center (LCCTC) is home to 22 career-shaping programs, and one stands out on the national stage: Pastry Arts. As the first high school baking program in the country accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACF), it’s led by Chef Brian Peffley, a dedicated instructor of three decades. His mentorship has launched countless success stories, including that of recent graduate Wesley H.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Wesley saw opportunity where others might have overlooked it. Drawn to the Pastry Arts Program at LCCTC, he recognized the value of technical education and decided it was the perfect fit for him. Under the guidance of Chef Peffley, Wesley quickly discovered that pastries were his true sweet spot.
A bakery is fast paced, with dough, mixers, and hot pans constantly in motion. For Wesley, who lives with a degenerative eye disease that causes visual impairment, safety and precision are especially important. But rather than slowing him down, this challenge has fueled his focus. Today, Wesley is thriving in the kitchen.
A key ingredient in that success has been Chef Peffley’s dedication to his students. “I learned very early on that Wesley wanted to be treated the same,” says Chef Brian. “It’s important to know your students very personally, so you really can be an advocate for them, and allow them those opportunities that they may have been denied because people were concerned that something was unsafe.”
Together, Chef Peffley and the class built an environment where Wesley could flourish. After cleaning, every item went back to the same place, ensuring consistency and confidence. They also practiced repetition, helping Wesley develop muscle memory for specific tasks, like knowing how far to push a sheet pan into the oven. With support, structure, and determination, Wesley has shown that success is not defined by obstacles but by how you rise above them.
Wes’ Pastry Skills Shine at SkillsUSA and Beyond
Wesley’s remarkable success is a direct reflection of his dedication, discipline, and love for the field. Chef Peffley had high praise for Wesley: “His awards and his accomplishments are second to none. This is my last year teaching, my 30th year, and Wes is up there in the top five students I’ve ever had. He’s really seized every opportunity that’s come his way. There’s no such thing as a disability in his eyes.”
As a junior, Wesley earned national recognition at the Skills USA competition, placing fourth in the nation. He returned his senior year with even more confidence, refining his demonstration speech on pâte à choux to showcase his expanded expertise. In his five-to-seven-minute speech, he piped, plated and presented a professional-level dish—an impressive feat for any competitor. This time, Wesley stood on the podium with a bronze medal, ranking third in the nation.
Beyond competitions, Wesley has also built an impressive portfolio of industry-recognized certifications to help advance his knowledge and hire-ability. His ServSafe certification confirms his ability to handle food safely, while 12 CareerSafe certifications demonstrate professional readiness in the workplace. Nutrition 101 highlights his knowledge of dietary restrictions and cross-contamination prevention. And perhaps most notably, his NOCTI Workforce Competency credential and ACF Certified Fundamental Pastry Chef credential, earned through both a written and practical exam, validates his specialized skills in the pastry kitchen. Combined, these achievements paint a clear picture of a student who is ready to thrive in any professional setting.
Bridging the Gap between Education and Career
Through CTE programs, students gain hands-on experience in potential careers and real-world work environments, which helps ease the transition into the workforce after graduation. At LCCTC, this commitment is clear. Not only are students developing the knowledge and professionalism required for everyday jobs, they also actively serve the public.
The Culinary Arts program operates a 60-seat, full-service restaurant on campus, while the Pastry Arts program supplies baked goods for the restaurant, the school bakeshop, and specialty events. This real-world experience, paired with industry certifications, provides students with a strong portfolio to showcase to prospective employers.
After graduation, Wesley’s experience and certifications helped him secure a position in the Sweeterie at Chocolatetown, Hersheypark, as part of their culinary apprenticeship. Reflecting on the transition, Wesley shared, “usually it’s difficult to get a job when you have some kind of disability, because the employer thinks they will have to work around that.” He believes his credentials and persistence demonstrated his willingness to put in the effort, make continuous improvements, and impress employers with his skills.
Today, Wes remains active in the local chapter of the ACF, continuing to grow his expertise and share ideas within the pastry community.
CTE Programs Provide Support to Give Students a Promising Future
When students are supported, they thrive. Opportunities like career and technical education (CTE) programs give them a head start, preparing them for lifelong success.
Chef Peffley embodies the qualities of a truly great educator. For him, the joy is in watching students discover their purpose. “I don’t call myself an instructor or teacher, I really like the term ‘facilitator of opportunities.’ If I can assist a student in finding their gifts and their calling, that is probably the greatest blessing I could have been given in my life.”
Wesley encourages other students to take advantage of CTE programs. “You have to give it a few months, and give it your best. Even if you don’t like your program, you come out with experience to go to other industries, because they’re not just teaching you how to cook and bake, but also teaching you how to communicate, how to do customer service.” These transferable skills are invaluable as students graduate and step confidently into the workforce or continue on to postsecondary education.
See How NOCTI Credentials Can Help Your CTE Program
Students thrive when their hard work is recognized and verified. NOCTI certifications provide that tangible proof of progress, demonstrating the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in technical careers. At LCCTC, Chef Peffley and Wesley wear their achievements proudly– embroidered right onto their chef coats.
If you’d like to learn more about how NOCTI certifications can empower your students, please contact us here. You can also explore the blueprints for current NOCTI certifications, including the Culinary Arts Cook certification, and Retail Commercial Baking developed in partnership with the ACF.