Thu, 07/01/2021 - 5:12pm meganj By: Hannah Laga Abram NATIONAL CULINARY CHAMP Nima Mehregan, left, said he wouldn’t be who he is today if not for his coach Chef Woody Danforth, with whom he is posing. NIMA MEHREGAN WON the national SkillsUSA Culinary Arts Competition in the same week he graduated from Vergennes Union High School. FOR ONE OF his award-winning entrees, Nima Mehregan served up Sautéed Chicken Breast with Mushroom Veloute, White and Yellow Saffron Rice, and Sautéed Vegetables, including diced and julienne carrots, and baby spinach. Something happened inside me. I started cooking at home and discovered that I am so, so passionate about food.