Chef Rory Schepisi

"Southern Yankee" Celebrity Chef and Restauranteur

Rory Schepisi, known affectionately as the "Southern Yankee," is a chef, restaurateur, television host, competitor, promoter, cowgirl, and Novo Nordisk Diabetes Educator. In addition to appearances on her weekly cooking segment on the NBC affiliate in Amarillo, Texas, Rory owns and runs her restaurant, Boot Hill Saloon & Grill.

Traveling around the United States as a celebrity chef, host and guest speaker, Rory shares her knowledge of food, different cultures and cuisine with her fans and food enthusiasts. Rory recently appeared as a featured chef on The Today Show, hosted the popular Cadillac Culinary Challenge and spoke with esteemed chefs on a culinary industry panel in New York City.

Rory's best known as a beloved competitor on The Next Food Network Star, where she placed second on the reality show, but first in the hearts of fans across the country. Since the competition, Rory has appeared as the guest chef on TLC's show Homemade Simple and the Rachael Ray Show, holds the title of the Texas Restaurant Association's "Best Chef of the West" in 2008 and 2009, and her famous ribs landed the cover of Bon Appétit magazine.

Rory's career in television started when the New Jersey native landed a spot on the reality television program Popularity Contest on Country Music Television. The show was set in a small farming town in West Texas, where Rory planted roots after discovering her love for Vega and one of the local cowboys. The "Southern Yankee" was born, as Rory underwent her transformation from "city girl" to "cow girl," learning how to brand cattle, milk cows, break horses and rope steer along the way.

Andy Suhy

A type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 15, didn't stop avid hockey player, Andy Suhy.  After taking control of his diabetes, Andy played Division 1 college hockey and was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he won two championships.  Andy founded Type1Rules, has written two diabetes management books, and his now a motivational speaker.

Marc Milkie

In March 2002, Marc was diagnosed with Wegener's Granulomatosis, a disease with no known cause or cure.  After surviving the onslaught of the disease in which his lungs, liver and kidney's failed, and a seven-week coma, it became apparent that he would require both legs to be amputated below the knee.  Marc credits his family and friends, his belief in a higher power, and a positive attitude for much of what he has accomplished since 2002.