Erin Cain, Culinary Arts Student and 2011 Christopher Laroche Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Erin Cain is a Culinary Arts student at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove and a senior at Abington Township High School. At EASTERN’s Awards Night on May 24 she was recognized for achieving Straight A’s throughout the year, she received the Abington High School Alumni Award, and was the third recipient of the Christopher Laroche Memorial Award.

Christopher A. Laroche was a 2001 Culinary Arts graduate from the EASTERN and Abington High School. After graduation, Christopher followed in his father’s footsteps and became an Electrician. Christopher passed away suddenly in a tragic automobile accident on October 28, 2008. To honor his memory, the Laroche family and Christopher’s fiancée, Crystal Peterman, have established the Christopher Laroche Memorial Award for one EASTERN Culinary Arts or Electrical Technology student. Christopher leaves behind a legacy of kindness and helpfulness toward others, and the recipient of this award is chosen by the Laroche family with those qualities in mind.

Erin’s interest in Culinary Arts began when she started working at Bredenbeck’s Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor in Chestnut Hill. Through Abington High School, she was provided information about EASTERN and the Culinary Arts program offered. She visited the program, and decided to give it a try.

At Abington, Erin is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is involved in both the Sea Scouts and Girl Scouts. In the fall, Erin will be attending Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island for Baking and Pastry Arts. Ultimately she would like to work for a hotel chain or a small bakery decorating cakes.

To donate to the Christopher Laroche Memorial award, please send a check payable to the “EASTERN Foundation.” Checks can be mailed to Mrs. Amy Shields, EASTERN’s Organizational Advancement Director, at 3075 Terwood Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. Please indicate that your donation is for The Christopher Laroche Memorial Award. All donations are tax deductible as EASTERN’s Foundation is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


Photo: Erin Cain