What a day to celebrate young culinary talent! Burgers hold a special place in our hearts because they are one of those rare foods that bring everyone together. The possibilities are endless. A perfectly melted slice of cheese, a toasted brioche bun, creative sauces, fresh produce, and bold seasonings can turn a simple burger into something extraordinary. That is exactly what our young chefs did today, and we love seeing that passion for cooking come alive.
Presenting the Winners of the 4th Annual Junior Chef Competition!
First Place and Judges’ Choice goes to the Cheesy Chefs from McKinley Elementary School, taking home the $1,000 prize for their mouthwatering “Tropical Triple Cheese Trio Luau Sizzle Burger with Lava Dust Fries and Liquid Sunshine.” This creative, flavor-packed dish wowed the judges from the very first bite. Our students told us that to come up with this burger, they tried different recipes and practiced for two months. Congratulations, Gideon Bowen, Huston Downs, Brandon Burridge, and Justin Donald. Go, Jaguars!
Best Recipe and Taste was awarded to Saltwater Savories, a talented team of homeschooled students who each won $100 for their delicious “Hawaiian Burger with Volcano Fries.” Congratulations, Anna, Aimie, and Brooklynn.
Best Presentation went to the Sauté Squad from Hills Academy for their “Smashburgers with Fried Pickles and Ranch.” Congratulations, Olivia, Braelyn, and Cooper.
Best Team Spirit was captured by Team Cheesecake from Piedra Vista for their “Scorpion Heat Stacks with Parmesan Garlic Air Fryer Fries.” Congratulations, Jessalin Anyx and AJ Hess. Go, Panthers!
Browse the photos to meet the incredible teams, proud families, and the dedicated staff who made this event possible. None of this would happen without their passion and support!
The competition kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with teams from Hills Academy, Animas Elementary, Apache Elementary, Hermosa Middle School, Ladera del Norte Elementary, Northeast Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Mesa View Middle School, and Piedra Vista High School ready to cook meals from scratch, three for tasting and one for presentation.
Altogether, 12 teams competed in this year’s theme, Burger Battle Royale, and the variety was impressive: Mushroom Swiss Smashburgers, Feta Garlic Burgers, Swiss Stuffed Teriyaki Pineapple Burgers, Cheeseburger Cupcakes, Big Poppa Bacon Poblano Burgers, Fearless Burgers, and Everything But The Bun Burger Bowls.
A heartfelt thank you to the Student Nutrition and Elior teams, all of our FMS families, and our distinguished judges: Mr. Adam Gentles, Elior School Dining Regional Chef; Mr. Ervin Trujillo, Piedra Vista Assistant Principal; and Ms. Lisa Maxwell, FMS Board Secretary.
And a special shoutout to Panther Vision for streaming the event and conducting those awesome interviews. Nice work!