MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Five nationally acclaimed celebrity chefs will share their experiences with Marion County middle and high school culinary arts students, Friday, November 6, 2026.

The celebrity chefs, who are all affiliated with World Equestrian Center (WEC) Ocala, are participating in a culinary celebration. This year’s lineup includes:  

  • Chef Kristofer Sullivan brings a rich culinary pedigree shaped by experiences at Le Bernardin, Atlantis Resort, Bangkok Supper Club, and as a private chef in Los Angeles. Known for his refined yet approachable style, he blends classic techniques with modern flair to create elevated Italian cuisine. He currently serves as Chef de Cuisine at Genievieve’s, an elegant Italian rooftop restaurant at The Equestrian Manor.
  • Chef Roland LaCroix is a distinguished culinary background with more than 20 years of experience in professional kitchens, including roles at the Wellington Polo Stadium, The Broadmoor and The Biltmore Estate. His cooking celebrates the richness and diversity of American cuisine, blending classic comfort dishes with global influences and bold creativity. He currently serves as Chef de Cuisine at The Polo Pony at The Equestrian Manor.
  • Chef Stephan Holland, Executive Chef at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, brings global finesse to the table. He previously led special projects, openings and development at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas and has worked with notable chefs including Andrew Zimmern, Martha Stewart, José Andrés, and Nobu Matsuhisa. He now oversees the resort’s 13 dining concepts.
  • Chef Yohann Le Bescond serves as Complex Executive Pastry Chef at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, where he oversees the pastry program across the resort’s 13 dining concepts. A 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, Le Bescond trained in Brittany, France, and has appeared on Food Network’s Summer Baking Championship, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking and Beat Bobby Flay.
  • Chef Gabriel Maysonet is Executive Pastry Sous Chef at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, as well as a chocolatier, entrepreneur, educator and co-founder of KKÔ Chocolate. Today, he helps lead one of the country’s premier luxury resort pastry programs, creating artisan desserts, handcrafted chocolates and memorable guest experiences.

All five celebrity chefs will visit middle and high school culinary classrooms based on the following schedule: 

CELEBRITY CHEF: Kristofer Sullivan 
Belleview High School (10400 SE 36th Ave., Belleview, 34420) 
TIME: 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 
Belleview Middle School (10500 SE 36th Ave., Belleview, 34420) 
TIME: 10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. 

CELEBRITY CHEF: Roland LaCroix 

Dunnellon Middle School (21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon, 34431) 
TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 
Dunnellon High School (10055 SW 180th Ave. Rd., Dunnellon, 34421) 
TIME: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

CELEBRITY CHEF: Stephan Holland 

Osceola Middle School (526 SE Tuscawilla Ave., Ocala, 34471) 
TIME: 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 
Forest High School (5000 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala, 34480) 
TIME: 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

CELEBRITY CHEF: Yohann Le Bescond 

Lake Weir High School (10351 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala, 34472) 
TIME: 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 
Lake Weir Middle School (10220 SE Sunset Harbor Rd., Summerfield, 34491) 
TIME: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

CELEBRITY CHEF: Gabriel Maysonet 

Fort McCoy School (16160 NE Hwy. 315, Fort McCoy, 32134) 
TIME: 7:40 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. 
Marion Technical College (1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala, 34471) 
TIME: 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 

These celebrity chef visits provide real-world experiences and face-to-face interactions for students exploring careers in the culinary industry. With hundreds of MCPS students enrolled in Culinary Arts programs, the visits highlight the continued growth of the industry and the importance of preparing graduates to meet workforce needs. 

For the fifth consecutive year, WEC has designated the Public Education Foundation of Marion County as a recipient of its fundraising efforts. Donations support MCPS culinary arts programs through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department and help bring accomplished chefs to Ocala to inspire students and others to pursue careers in culinary arts and hospitality.  

For more information on the culinary celebration visit this link.