Spoon University is a place for young generations of foodies to form a community of inspired writers, marketers, photographers, videographers, and editors. Our chapter is made up of high school teens from across the nation, each one of us with a different story to share. Despite our stressful varsity sports, high school jobs, and AP tests, we all come together to produce content we are passionate about.
Spoon University allows each of us to share our voices. As teens, we often do not have chances to be heard. Being able to see the page views we receive, it is rewarding knowing people have interest in what we have to say. We finally have an outlet to make a difference.
Below is just a sample of testimonies to the amazing program that was created only a year and a half ago by the current freshman at GWU, Lauren Peller. For you, HQ, and to everyone that has helped to make this chapter what it is today, thank you. To our editors, thank you for fixing our mistakes and listening to our requests. Most importantly, to our writers, thank you for writing all of your stories and content. Without your work and motivation, our chapter would not be what it is today.
Our Leads
“Joining Spoon High School is undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. Not only have my writing and editing skills improved greatly, but I have found my best friends on earth. We talk about more than publishing and meetings. We chat about anything, all the way from deep questions about the universe to our favorite memes. When you join Spoon, you’re not just joining a network of future best-selling authors. You’re joining a family full of people you never knew you needed to meet. And that has been the defining moment of my career here.”- Brooke Daly, Editorial Director, Timber Creek High School, FL
“Ever since a very young age, I’ve been cooking in the kitchen with my dad. He taught me that messing up is okay, especially with recipes and how you recover is what really matters. Last year, I decided to take my passion for food and make it into something more, thus applying for Spoon. When I became a managing editor last spring and got to read other people’s articles before they were published, I felt really proud of being a part of something like Spoon. Not only was I improving my writing craft, but I was helping others. It’s really awesome to see people start with a random idea, and build an amazing article bursting with creativity. Thank you so much to the Spoon founders for giving us a platform. We’re all so happy to represent the high school page.”- Sydney Brown, Managing Editor, Winston Churchhill High School, MD
“Writing for Spoon High School has allowed me to affect change on national level in even the smallest of ways. Knowing each of my articles has the ability to make someone smile, laugh, or rethink their relationship with food has instilled a confidence to lead and create. Spoon has uncovered not only a passion for food writing, but a passion for journalism that I can’t wait to explore.” – Beatrice Forman, Marketing Director, Somers High School, NY
“I love being a part of Spoon University, whether that means writing and editing articles or taking photos because it has allowed me to dive into my interest in food. I have always enjoyed taking food photos and writing about food, and Spoon has allowed me to hone those skills in such a fun way. I appreciate the community that I have found with Spoon – it is amazing to connect with other high schoolers across the country who share my same passion!” – Sophia Africk, Managing Editor, Trinity School, NY
“Being apart of Spoon University has taught me invaluable lessons about not only writing, but drawing inspiration from my surroundings, critical ways in which reporters must convey themselves, and leadership as well. Being apart of Spoon has exposed me to enlightening perspectives and untapped areas of interest which enhance my skills within the field of journalism and beyond. I am constantly working towards meeting Spoon’s high expectations, causing me to flourish both as an individual and a team member. As Spoon High School’s Marker, I help spread awareness about writers’ work. I am constantly learning in this position, teaching myself as I teach others. As a member of Spoon’s leadership team, I have come to understand that being a leader is not synonymous with being an expert; it is, however, synonymous with embracing personal growth. Follow my foodstagram on Instagram and Facebook, @tobeglutenfree! “- Zoe Malin, Marketing Director, North Shore High School, NY
“For the longest time in my life, food was like the time signature of a waltz. Three meals a day. Three easy steps for the perfect microwaveable snack. Three stars out of five for every dish I eat. And, while waltzes are quite charming, being a founding member and managing editor of the Spoon University High School chapter has expanded my horizons of food, wellness, and journalism. Runs of sixteenth notes to represent the sixteen steps for a healthy and fulfilling meal? Yes! Key signatures that vary like the section of my Instagram archive dedicated to Spoon University videos? Yes, please! Being able to write and edit articles and work alongside some of the most intelligent and talented people I’ve ever met is the reason that I can now rate a dish 2/4, or 5/4, or 3/8. It has made me feel five stars out of five in everything I do, and I will never forget the skills and good times I’ve had throughout this experience.”-Arvind Dev, Managing Editor, Staten Island Technical High School, NY
“For the longest time in my life, food was like the time signature of a waltz. Three meals a day. Three easy steps for the perfect microwaveable snack. Three stars out of five for every dish I eat. And, while waltzes are quite charming, being a founding member and managing editor of the Spoon University High School chapter has expanded my horizons of food, wellness, and journalism. Runs of sixteenth notes to represent the sixteen steps for a healthy and fulfilling meal? Yes! Key signatures that vary like the section of my Instagram archive dedicated to Spoon University videos? Yes, please! Being able to write and edit articles and work alongside some of the most intelligent and talented people I’ve ever met is the reason that I can now rate a dish 2/4, or 5/4, or 3/8. It has made me feel five stars out of five in everything I do, and I will never forget the skills and good times I’ve had throughout this experience.”- Arvind Dev, Managing Editor, Staten Island Technical High School, NY
“I have always been interested in food in media. Some of the first people I followed on my Instagram I made in middle school were foodie accounts. When I came across Spoon on Snapchat, I knew I had to get involved. Writing for Spoon has been the most rewarding process. From seeing my articles get thousands of views, to having the ability to talk to people from across the country, I cannot be more grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see where it will lead me. Our chapter is made up of so many passionate individuals, and I am glad to be a part of it all.”- Marisa Palace, Community Success Manager, Howell High School, NJ
Our Writers
“I absolutely love food whether it’s cooking it, eating it or reviewing it. Aside from my food page @thefantasmicfoodie on Instagram, Spoon is a great way for me to stay connected with my fellow foodies. Our website keeps me up to date on what’s going on in the food world and the latest trends. Spoon has taught me what it takes to be successful and hopefully will create great opportunities for me. “- David Salmonson, Jericho High School, NY
“Spoon has allowed me to write about something I love while at the same time, learn so much about myself and the food industry. I have been able to pursue my passion of food and gain experience and knowledge that nothing other than Spoon would be able to provide me with. I know that everything I have been able to learn from Spoon will help me succeed in the future, and I can’t wait to see where it leads me. I am so happy to be connected with so many people who all share so much in common.”- Julia Palace, Howell High School, NJ
“Spoon University has taught me not only how to become a better writer, but how to have fun while writing. I am able to write something I care about, and voice my opinions. There is no better feeling than receiving views and positive comments about my articles. I have learned so much from Spoon University and I cannot wait to see what’s to come in the future.”- Carlie Littman, Roslyn High School, NY
“Being a part of Spoon has enabled me to pursue my passions for both writing and food while also connecting me to a broad platform of creative, motivated individuals with whom I have a lot in common. Through my participation in the High School chapter, I have also been able to further my skills in other areas such as photography, which has benefited a lot of the work I do for my articles. Additionally, learning so much about the food industry has assisted me tremendously in my efforts to create my own mobile food cart, The Toasting Company, by guiding me in its marketing and product development. I have acquired an immense amount of knowledge about eating, wellness, and also myself through participating in Spoon, and I cannot wait to become involved at the college level next fall!” – Louisa Cacchione, South Mecklenburg High School, NC
“Spoon has provided me with a platform to write about my passions and interests. From the opportunities to work with companies and brands, to the development of my “Chicago-based” food Instagram @bite_to_bite, Spoon brings together a community of foodies. From meeting me new people and experiencing new things, I am so incredibly blessed for the environment Spoon has provided me.” – Mary Kate Phelan, Loyola Academy, IL
“Writing for Spoon University for the past year and a half has been an amazing experience. I’ve always loved food so being part of Spoon is a perfect way for me to share my passion with the world. I’ve got to meet so many amazing people and improve on my writing. I’ve learned so much more about the food world and expanded my horizons within my writing. I’m excited to see what Spoon will bring for the whole high school chapter in the coming year!” – Hannah Freiberg, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, NYC
“Spoon High School allowed me to find a place where I can share my love of all things food with a group of people my age who are passionate about the same things as I am. I feel honored to be part of a community that accepts and celebrates contributors like me who want to improve their writing skills while also sharing their interests to a wide audience. I am so excited that I can continue my Spoon journey wherever I choose to go to college and keep writing for this amazing organization!”- Emma Briskin, Orange High School, OH
“Spoon has given me the perfect platform to write about something I love: food. As a high school student, it can often be hard to find a place that will publish your writing, but at Spoon University, I feel that they respect me and my writing, regardless of my age. Being a part of Spoon has also allowed me to learn more about new food phases and popular trends than I ever did before. I am glad I started writing for Spoon High School, and can’t wait to continue.” –Jenny Seidman, Fieldston School, NY
“I grew up in a little blink and miss it town outside of San Fransico. Most people connect my last name with one of my relatives who took a shoe for a president. When Julie&Julia the movie came out I became obsessed with becoming a food blogger. With Spoon, I have been given that chance to explore and see that food is apart of a lot of things in life. I used to be a remote intern for a company and I work a Trader Joe’s where I have also learned a lot. I absolutely hate cauliflower but enjoy photography and traveling when I can afford it. Follow me on Instagram @andrewjperino and see where life takes me next.” –Andrew Perino, Castro Valley High, CA
“I love Spoon University first and foremost because I love food. Joining a community of writers who have the same ambition as me and producing enticing and personable articles about food is awesome. I also didn’t expect to have thousands of people read my articles. This platform has made challenged me to learn how to stick to a deadline. From revising and editing my pieces to conducting extra research on topics, I’ve found my writing voice. I am so thankful for Spoon HS for welcoming me with open arms and I can’t wait for what the future has in store.”- Ava Courtney, American Heritage School, FL
“I decided to join Spoon because I’ve always been that person who my friends go to for restaurant recommendations. Spoon has allowed me to expand that restaurant knowledge into a general awareness about all things food-related and share those ideas with an entire community of food lovers, while meeting a group of people who have equally long lists of restaurants to share.” – Emily Wolf, Millburn High School, NJ
“Being a member of Spoon has helped me discover communities all over the world and learn more about my own. I have been able to improve my writing and communication skills, and share what I love about food and health.”- Hannah Bernier, Desert Mountain High School, AZ
“Spoon has allowed me to write articles about things that I’m interested in, whether it be related to food, health, or travel. It’s been so much fun to publish my own “food media” when it’s such a huge part of my generation’s culture. It’s super cool to see how many people actually view something that I wrote and to connect with other members of my chapter from all over the country.”- Molly Gottesman, Hunter College High School, NY
“Through writing for Spoon, I have been able to develop my voice as a writer and express myself on a larger scale than I would’ve been able to otherwise. I’ve gotten invaluable firsthand experience with the journalistic process, writing about a broad range of topics. From the simple recipe round-ups to the deeper wellness pieces I’ve written, Spoon has given me the unique opportunity to project my ideas to the world.”- Molly Gallagher, New Trier Township High School, IL
“Spoon has given me the opportunity to be a part of a community of people who love the same thing as me, food, while also being able to connect to a group of passionate, driven high school students. It has been an immense learning opportunity that I am extremely grateful for. I cannot wait to see what my future at Spoon has in store for me!” – Julia Helliesen, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
“Spoon has challenged me to write in a new medium about topics I had previously rarely considered. I have researched, taste-tested and surveyed for articles and now have the confidence and skill set to write about a variety of topics. Spoon has offered me invaluable resources and access to a wide-ranging network of alumni, plus the opportunity to have my work published and read in ways I never before thought possible.”- Natasha Sawant, Glenbard North High School, IL
For more amazing content produced by our writers, check out our website. From there, you have the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful team we have created. Our chapter is continuing to blossom and we cannot wait to see where it will go in the future.