District News

This past Saturday, February 28, Waco ISD elementary students across the district cooked up their favorite healthy, kid-friendly recipes. They went head-to-head in the 16th Annual Future Chef Challenge sponsored by Sodexo and hosted by Waco ISD Child Nutrition Services. 

The brand-new Waco High School culinary kitchen was filled with the hum of the 3rd through 5th grade students who were focused on cooking their favorite dishes. Waco High School culinary students served as the elementary students’ sous chefs and helped them navigate the new kitchen. The annual event challenged students to showcase their creativity across seven distinct categories including: healthy attribute, kid appeal, ease of preparation, originality, plate presentation, taste, and student presentation to the judges.

This year’s theme, "Your Favorite Recipe from a Country or Culture Around the World," invited 25 young chefs to bring family traditions to life. After one hour of preparation alongside district staff, students plated 50 bite-sized portions for a panel of judges and the public. Winners in each category took home gift baskets filled with kitchen tools to help them continue honing their craft at home. 

Beyond the trophies, the competition served as a way to honor family recipes and traditions. Kiing Davis presented homemade spinach dip that his dad makes for him when he’s having a bad day, and he brought his dad along with him for the student presentation to the judges! 

Annalysse Beverly said her grandmother taught her how to make banana bread and has helped her start a business to sell the tasty loaves online. Trevor Morris, also known as “Chef T” prepared Chef T’s Thai Noodles and was selected to move on to the Sodexo Future Chef National Competition representing the region.

There are 40 regional winners - the top student chefs from district competitions are judged by a panel of Sodexo chefs during this round of competition. Only five finalists will be selected for national judging. 

"For years, our students have brought their heart and soul to this competition," said Executive Chef Julia Pennington. "This experience gives these kids a real-world look at the culinary field, honoring their family traditions while sparking new dreams. We are teaching them that what they prepare in this kitchen today is a foundation for the impact they will make for a lifetime.”