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YCSD’s Parent YOU kicks off Thursday with chef Jeff Henderson

By Mahoning Matters staff and Jeremy Harper
Chef Jeff Henderson spent nearly 10 years in prison, arrested for being one of Southern California’s biggest drug dealers. While incarcerated, he discovered his true passion: cooking. After his release from prison, he embarked on his culinary career and worked his way from dishwasher to head chef at Las Vegas’ Cafe Bellagio. (Contributed photo)
Chef Jeff Henderson spent nearly 10 years in prison, arrested for being one of Southern California’s biggest drug dealers. While incarcerated, he discovered his true passion: cooking. After his release from prison, he embarked on his culinary career and worked his way from dishwasher to head chef at Las Vegas’ Cafe Bellagio. (Contributed photo)

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown City School District's Parent YOU kicks off Thursday (Jan. 21) with chef Jeff Henderson sharing the story of how he transformed himself from an inmate to a renowned culinary artist.

Linda Hoey, YCSD's chief of family engagement, believes Henderson's story will inspire parents and families who participate.

"It's a story of redemption," Hoey said in a news release. "He found his passion, changed his life and now he's living his dream."

The virtual event will begin at 5 p.m. on Zoom.

It's part of the district's P.R.I.D.E. (Parents Realizing Involvement Determines Education) meeting. Prize drawings for gift cards and copies of Henderson's book are part of the event, too.

Henderson spent nearly 10 years in prison, arrested for being one of Southern California's biggest drug dealers. While incarcerated, he discovered his true passion: cooking.

After his release from prison, Henderson embarked on his culinary career. He worked his way from dishwasher to head chef at Las Vegas' Cafe Bellagio.

"I think chef Jeff's story of transformation will resonate with a lot of people," YCSD CEO Justin Jennings said in the release. "When you hear about how he evolved from where he was to where he is, you can't help but be motivated to reach your goals."

Henderson's memoir, "Cooked," was released in 2007 and became a New York Times bestseller. A movie based on the book and starring Oscar-nominee Will Smith is in development.

Henderson has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Good Morning America" and NPR. A new reality show, "The Chef Jeff Project," is expected to premiere on The Food Network this fall.

YCSD's Parent YOU (Parent University) is a new program funded through a grant from Philanthropy Ohio. It encourages parents to participate in one of four Parent YOU pathways being offered from February through May to gain knowledge from distinguished speakers and educational leaders.

More YCSD Parent YOU pathways are planned for next year.

Pathways offered for February through May 2021 are:

  • Social Emotional Learning/SEL/Health and Wellness;
  • Literacy;
  • Diversity;
  • College and Career Awareness for English Learners Families.

Parents will receive credits for participation and get awards for their accomplishments and continued learning.

This story was originally published January 20, 2021 at 2:15 PM with the headline "YCSD’s Parent YOU kicks off Thursday with chef Jeff Henderson."