Douglas High grad heads for culinary school on East Coast

Aubrey King, 19, had graduated from Douglas High School in 2008 and had just completed her first year at University of Nevada, Reno, when she got the call.

King's been accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., where she'll be perfecting her culinary skills and obtaining her bachelor's degree in professional studies.

She and mother Dawn King recently returned from an orientation at the CIA campus, which is located on the Hudson River between the historic Roosevelt and Vanderbilt estates. Both were impressed by the beauty and professionalism of the culinary program and while there enjoyed gourmet meals prepared by students at two of the college's five working restaurants.

After four years at the culinary program, Aubrey will be joining other alumni including Anthony Bourdain and the "Iron Chefs," Cat Cora and Michael Symon, and pastry chef Duff Goldman of the food network show "Ace of Cakes."

King is scheduled to begin classes Jan. 5, 2010, but will always call Gardnerville home.

"Aubrey has had this passion since she was in sixth grade," her mother said.

"When other kids were playing video games, she was on the Great Chefs of America Web site. It's her passion, and we love her and support her."