For Immediate Release
April 22, 2020

Suffolk Culinary Student Says Thanks to Medical Workers, Baked Dozens of Cookies for Southampton Hospital

Suffolk culinary student Justin Ranghell in his kitchen

Justin Ranghell, 24, a Center Moriches culinary student at Suffolk County Community College, witnessed the stresses pandemic medical workers are enduring: his sister, Melissa, a 2017 Suffolk County Community College Nursing School graduate, is on the Coronavirus pandemic’s frontline at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

“She was coming home exhausted and dejected. It was heartbreaking to me,” Ranghell said. “I decided I needed to do something.”

That something? Baking. And lots of it.

Ranghell spoke with his brother Jeromy, a fellow restaurant industry worker, who was able to help Justin purchase needed baking ingredients wholesale. And then the baking began.

Ranghell worked through the night last Friday and delivered nearly 200 cookies to his sister at 5 am the next morning – a treat for her and her colleagues at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

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

"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," said Suffolk County Community College Interim President Louis Petrizzo.

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

Ranghell is not only a student – he will graduate from Suffolk County Community College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality program in August – but a committed chef and baker who practices his craft at home, as well as at The Halyard restaurant in Greenport where he works when not in class.

Learn more about Suffolk’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program at: https://sunysuffolk.edu/explore-academics/majors-and-programs/culinary-arts/index.jsp