Six fifth grade finalists entered the kitchen at Main Street Intermediate with favorite recipes in hand and a mentor from Sodexo by their side, ready to prepare their favorite recipes for this year’s Future Chef competition.
With a theme of “Complete the Plate,” each student chef created two side dishes designed to accompany chicken wings. Students had submitted recipes with an entry form before the final six were selected. Working within a twohour limit, the pressure was on to finish on time and serve the judges.
Student chefs were Ruben Rochez, Conner Sikes, Harper Doss, Lane Light, Lily Jesizek and Amy Robles.
Sodexo mentors were Tricia Glassnapp, Sodexo catering chef; Elyse Bragg, TMS kitchen manager; Kameshia Randel, MSI kitchen manager; Cynthia Gonzalez, TH Johnson cook; Celina Arellano, Naomi Pasemann Elementary kitchen manager and Miga Hernandez, THJ food service worker.
Judges for the event were Marco Ortiz, school board president; Jina Self, Taylor Independent School District chief financial officer; Kerri Pierce, MSI principal and Ashley Rush, MSI assistant principal.
Lily Jesizek won the contest with her Asian slaw and broccoli rice. She received a cookware set and utensils, and her side dishes will be served in the cafeteria one day in April.
