Suffolk County Community College Culinary Student Bakes Dozens Of Sweets For Frontline Medical Workers

After witnessing firsthand the immense stress that the Coronavirus pandemic is putting on those on the frontline, Justin Ranghell, a Center Moriches culinary student at Suffolk County Community College, set out to find a way to brighten up healthcare worker’s day.

Justin’s sister Melissa, a 2017 Suffolk County Community College Nursing School graduate, works at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “She was coming home exhausted and dejected. It was heartbreaking to me,” Justin reflected. “I decided I needed to do something.”

That led to the 24-year-old using his expertise to bake hundreds of cookies that he donated to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Justin enlisted help from his brother Jeromy, a fellow restaurant industry worker, to purchase the ingredients needed wholesale. Then, he got down to business.

“This was a great opportunity to give back to the frontline workers that are fighting for us each and every day,” Justin explained. “I hope to do it again to express my thanks and appreciation.”

He spent the entire evening of Friday, April 17 whipping up batch after batch of cookies. At 5 a.m. the next morning, he delivered a delicious treat to his sister and her colleagues.

“We’re proud of Justin and his selfless effort, and join him with our thanks to medical workers, first responders and all those on the frontline battle of the fight against the coronavirus and its spread,” Suffolk County Community College Interim President Louis Petrizzo expressed.

When not in class, Justin, who will graduate from Suffolk County Community College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program in August, works at The Halyard restaurant in Greenport.

“Justin is community-minded, focused, well-liked by his peers and working hard to learn and hone his craft,” Suffolk Culinary Arts Assistant Professor Richard Amster added.