BUFFALO, NY- In an effort to support local area high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education in the food service and hospitality industries, Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is pleased to announce this year's five scholarship winners, who will each receive $1,000. To be eligible, students must reside in one of the eight Western New York counties and be enrolling in a food service or hospitality curriculum at an accredited two or four year school this coming fall.

"The Taste of Buffalo is committed to working with and supporting the Western New York community" said Mark Zawodzinski, 2011 Taste chairman. "We are proud to commend this year's scholarship winners for their hard work and assist them in pursuing their future educational goals."

The scholarship fund, which began in 1997, has awarded more than $30,000 to deserving high school seniors. The winners, who were chosen based upon several criteria including academic achievement, experience, recommendations, and community involvement, are as follows:

• Alex Dispence from Lake Shore High School who will attend Niagara County Community College for culinary arts;
• Shelby Lee from Eden Junior/Senior High School who will attend the University of Denver for hospitality management;
• Claire Murello from Williamsville South High School who will attend Niagara Community College for baking and pastry arts;
• Amanda Reece from Tonawanda High School who will attend Johnson and Wales;
• Chelsie Zanghi from John F. Kennedy High School who will attend Niagara Community College for culinary arts.

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the nation's largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 people in downtown Buffalo. The 2011 Taste is July 9 and July 10 along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. For further information, please visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com.