As Lillian McMahon graduates from Parkview High School in Orfordville this June, she’s already well on her way toward her dream of becoming a chef. 

Since age 15, Lillian has been taking Culinary Arts classes at Blackhawk Technical College through the college’s dual enrollment program, and this fall, she will start a culinary internship. She is on track to complete the college’s Culinary Arts program and graduate from Blackhawk in May 2026. 

“I had heard great things about the culinary program at Blackhawk, and it helped that it was also very local to where I live,” Lillian said.

Lillian currently works at Benedetti’s Supper Club in Beloit and also is a member of Blackhawk’s Epicurean Club. 

“I have been interested in cooking for as long as I can remember and it has always been my dream to be a chef,” she said.

Her favorite comfort food is any sort of homemade pasta and sauce, but her favorite cuisine is Japanese. She hopes to travel to Japan.

“I would love to get to try, see and learn about authentic food” in Japan, she said.

After graduation from Blackhawk, Lillian plans to work as a private chef, make her own menus, meet new people and visit new places. She wants to visit all 50 states.

Lillian encourages other high school students to explore college-level classes early.

“Start now! Don’t wait, don’t procrastinate. In the end, it’s so worth it,” she said.