Mark Coblentz
Coblentz is the 14-year-old son of Robbie and Bonnie Coblentz of Starkville. Coblentz is an ninth grade student at Starkville High School and has two national television credentials in his budding cooking career.
In the fall of 2015, Coblentz was a finalist on “Chopped Junior” on the Food Network. He appeared on the first season of the junior version Food Network filmed of this popular show. He spent a week in New York City filming for “Chopped Junior.”
In December 2015, he auditioned for “MasterChef Junior” on FOX and was selected in early 2016 for Season 5, and spent six weeks in Los Angeles for the filming. During this time, he spent 11 hour days working, filming and in school. He filmed two shows for this season’s “Fit to Eat” program airing now on Mississippi Public Broadcasting with Chef Rob Stinson.
Patty Roper
Roper is a native Jacksonian, who received her degree from the University of Mississippi. She shares her innovative decorating and entertaining ideas in the
Easy Does It Entertaining, Easy Does It
Projects, Patty’s Picks, and Patty Loves departments of Mississippi Magazine.
Roper is the author of five entertaining and recipe books: “Easy Hospitality,” “Easy Does It Entertaining,” “At the Table with Patty Roper,” “Easy Parties and Wedding Celebrations” and “Easy Does It Winners and Favorites.” She is currently the editorial director for Mississippi Magazine and lives in Flowood, Mississippi.
Chef Alexei Harrison
Alexei Mastin Harrison is a Starkville native and 2003 graduate of the MUW Culinary Arts Institute. Chef Harrison served as roving manager for University Management and the Little Dooey before going back to graduate school to complete a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Alabama.
Harrison launched the culinary arts program at East Central Community College as program coordinator and instructor. While at ECCC, she also provided food and beverage training for the casinos at Pearl River Resort, Tulane University and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Harrison is an active judge and facilitator for various high school and community college culinary competitions such as SkillsUSA, DECA and ProStart. Harrison returned to teach at her alma mater in 2012 and currently serves as Assistant Professor and newly appointed Director for the MUW Culinary Arts Institute in Columbus.