Success is on the menu for four new graduates from Niagara College’s Class of 2026 who were recently honoured with Benchmark Student Experience Scholarships.
Established to celebrate students within the Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies division who bring more to the table than just academic excellence, the winter term scholarships were awarded for leadership, teamwork, and tireless dedication to Benchmark restaurant and various charitable initiatives.
The student recipients were presented with their awards in May, including Flora Rofouyan (Culinary Management Co-op), Jaskaran Singh (Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations), Monika Sharma (Supply Chain Management), and Lily Cochrane (Culinary Innovation and Food Technology). Three of the award recipients–Rofouyan, Singh, and Cochrane–graduated on the morning of June 10, while Sharma will graduate on the afternoon of June 12.
InsideNC caught up with the graduates to hear about their experiences.
Flora Rofouyan
Current city:
Vaughan (originally from Iran)
What led you to NC?
Cooking and baking have always been my passion. Before coming to Canada, I studied English Literature and International Law, but deep down I always knew culinary arts was where my heart belonged. Watching chefs create meaningful experiences through food inspired me greatly, and eventually I decided to follow my true passion. Niagara College stood out to me because of its strong hands-on learning environment and industry experience. My goal is to continue growing in the culinary industry, especially in fine dining and pastry.
Time at Benchmark:
I started working with Benchmark January 2025. I worked as a student cook and pastry team leader. I managed pastry production and assisted with event preparation, plating, and service execution.
Why did you want to get involved working with Benchmark?
I wanted real industry experience beyond the classroom and the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs in a professional environment. Benchmark gave me the chance to challenge myself, improve my skills under pressure, and become part of a team that truly felt like family.
Highlights from Benchmark experience:
Benchmark gave me invaluable real-world experience in professional kitchens, large-scale events, teamwork, leadership, communication, and fine dining service. One of the biggest highlights for me was being involved in major events, including chef signature dinners and large gala services. I also had the opportunity to work alongside talented chefs and mentors who shaped me both professionally and personally.
Benefits of Benchmark experience:
Benchmark taught me how to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism, consistency, organization, and attention to detail. Beyond technical skills, it helped me build confidence, communication skills, leadership abilities, and resilience. The most rewarding part was learning directly from chefs and being trusted with responsibilities that helped me grow every day.
What’s next for you?
I recently completed my program and have started working full-time in the culinary industry in Toronto. My experience at Niagara College and Benchmark built the foundation for my career. It prepared me not only technically, but also mentally and professionally for the realities of the industry. The support, mentorship, and experiences I received gave me confidence in myself and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
Jaskaran Singh
Program: Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant Operations
Current city:
Niagara Falls (originally from Punjab, India)
What does this scholarship mean to you?
I would say receiving this scholarship means a lot to me on a personal level. It represents not just financial support, but also recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion I have put into my journey. As an international student, this recognition and support motivate me even more to continue growing and giving my best in everything I do in my life.
What led you to enrol at NC?
To be honest moving to Canada and studying at Niagara College has been a life changing experience for me. My goal is to build a successful career in hotel and restaurant operations where I can continue learning and making a difference.
Time at Benchmark:
I have been working with Benchmark since September 2025 as a Front of House staff member (server). Working in Benchmark has truly been one of the most valuable and best part of my journey at Niagara College. What inspired me to join Benchmark was the opportunity to gain hands on experience and learn from the best. I would say one of the biggest highlights for me was working at different events, where every event brought new challenges and learning opportunities. I am especially grateful to my professor Victor, who has guided and supported me throughout my journey. He has taught me many important skills and helped me grow.
Highlights of Benchmark experience?
I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills throughout my work period in Benchmark. These are lessons that go far beyond the classroom and will stay with me throughout my career.
What’s next for you?
Now that I have just graduated, I am continuing to work in industry to gain more experience in the field I love. I truly believe that my education at Niagara College, and my experience at Benchmark has taught me so many things which will definitely help me in my career.
Monika Sharma
Supply Chain Management (graduate certificate)
Current city:
Niagara Falls (originally from Himachal Pradesh, India)
What does this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the scholarship is truly an honour and I’m happy and at the same time it all felt like a dream. It made me believed that hard work and continuous learning give a fruitful result. It is a great motivation to me to continue working hard towards my goals. This award not only recognize the dedication and efforts but also gave a financial support. This will support me in the professional development.
What led you to NC?
My first program Artisan Distilling brought me to the NC. While pursuing that program, NC became home to me. Visiting big distilleries in Ontario made my vision clear: supply chain plays a vital role in the supply of spirits at international markets.
Highlights from NC:
Working as a volunteer for the Cap, Corks and Forks event in 2025 made me passionate to learn more. Through Prof. Victor Oliveira, I learned more about Benchmark Restaurant. After doing some research, I found the pathway to submit my application for Benchmark Restaurant.
Time at Benchmark:
My journey at Benchmark began in September 2025, working as a server at the Benchmark to assist guests, ensure a high-quality service, and create a welcoming dining experience. I wanted to learn the hospitality skills, from basics to advanced. Benchmark, being a teaching and learning restaurant, was a great place to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment, learn customer service, public speaking and team-work skills.
Benefits of Benchmark experience:
Working at Benchmark helped strengthen my communication skills, time management and problem-solving skills. Management and colleagues helped me build courage to speak in public. I learned to stay calm under pressure while maintaining excellent service standards. Benchmark gave me a chance to learn how to work in a real-world situations and improved my ability to handle difficult situations. The main skill that I developed was the confidence to interact with guests. Prof. Victor gave the best support. He taught me from very basic skills and guided me every step of the way.
What’s next?
I am working part-time at Benchmark Restaurant.
Congratulations to all 2026 Benchmark Experience Scholarship recipients!
