Nov. 13, 2024
The secret ingredient: locally sourced honey.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, SPS culinary arts students from all five high schools competed in teams at the SPS Culinary Classic. The half-day competition tested students’ abilities to prepare, chop and cook ingredients as individuals, as well as to create a cohesive dish as team. Students were asked to develop a recipe to serve to a panel of judges that represented a particular international flavor profile.
“Throughout the Classic, students were continuously showcasing their skills, like complex problem solving, working as a team, critical thinking and time management,” said Ashley Devore, coordinator of career technical education. “Students also utilized skills they had learned in their Culinary classes, like safety, sanitation, knife skills and plating.”
Springfield Grocer corporate Chef Curtis Adams, Dr. Travis Shaw, Roxanne Sharp and Tom Slaight served as judges for the competition.
“The Culinary Classic helped build students’ self-confidence by allowing them to showcase their culinary skills in a competitive environment, alongside their peers from other high schools,” said Kim Keller, director of Student Nutrition. “Additionally, incorporating the secret ingredient, local honey, into their International Food Truck recipes challenged them to think creatively.”
In the end, Hillcrest Culinary students earned first place for their Mexican Style Chicken Elote Saute on a flatbread waffle. The team also received an award for Best Use of the Secret Ingredient, which was local honey. Central High School’s team won Best Presentation for exceptional plating.
Hillcrest Winning Culinary Team:
- Izabelle Steele
- Calvin Richardson
- Olivia Galloway
- Jase Fantozzi
- Teacher: Candice Schreiner
SPS Culinary Classic Sponsors:
- SPS Farm to School Grant and Darr Family Foundation
- Aramark/SPS Food Company
- Restaurant Market Place- small wares and gift cards
- Copper Canyon/Route 66 Honey - Honey
- J&L Farms - Honey
- SGC- Small wares and gift cards
- Everything Kitchens - ceramic bowls
- Mama Jean's
- Vital Farms
- MSU Entrepreneurship Lab
- Kickapoo Technology Education
SPS Culinary Classic is an event hosted in collaboration with SPS Nutrition Services, SPS Catering, SPS Farm to School and the College and Career Readiness Department. This is event is one of several learning experiences that provide college and career readiness opportunities for students, a key priority in the Strategic Plan.
