A couple of quick shout-outs to start our week:

New Mark Middle School faculty member Nancy Pate recently received the Outstanding Educator of Gifted Award from the Gifted Association of Missouri.

Pate has been at her school for 21 years, according to a North Kansas City Schools press release.

"Nancy has the great ability to see gifted students through a broader lens and to nurture their diverse talents," former Associate Superintendent Rosemary Graves said in the release.

Three students from North Kansas City Schools were honored Sept. 27 for their cooking skills.

North Kansas City High School seniors Lauren Dailey and Ajani Nosakhere and Winnetonka High School senior Alan Rosko were part of a Northland Career Center team given the People's Choice Award during a culinary showcase at the Downtown Marrio/Muehlebach Hotel.

Along with Executive Chef Mark Prece of the American Italian Pasta Company, the students hosted an exhibitor table, where they prepared, cooked and served people at the event, according to a press release.

Kudos to Pate, Dailey, Nosakhere and Rosko. They're all ingredients for our great Northland community.