By Blake Jackson
The LaRue County High School Junior Chef team earned top honors at this year’s Farm to School Junior Chef championship held at Sullivan University’s Lexington campus. The team outperformed competitors from across the state in a contest designed to highlight student culinary talent and locally sourced ingredients.
“Congratulations to LaRue County and all the Junior Chef teams that competed this year,” Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell said. “The culinary skills these young chefs showcase is just a brief, early example of their ability to create some of the most delicious dishes with wonderful Kentucky products. This program, which would not be possible without the support of the parents, teachers, coaches, and Sullivan University, is an excellent way for students to pick up valuable life skills and possibly start a career in the culinary arts.”
This year’s competition shifted from its traditional August placement during the Kentucky State Fair to November, giving teams additional time during the academic year to develop and practice their recipes. Seven teams competed, presenting a range of dishes from pulled chicken on homemade buns to Asian-inspired meals and creative breakfast options.
LaRue County team members Noah Selman and Austin Harp secured the win with a breakfast burrito served with house-made avocado salsa and a fruit and yogurt parfait.
The team was coached by Abe Miller. Each student received a $10,000 scholarship offer from Sullivan University as well as a chef’s knife kit donated by Commonwealth Food Service Equipment owner Stacey Landfield.
Highlands High School placed second with its sweet and spicy teriyaki tofu bowl, earning each member a $6,000 scholarship offer. Bath County High School finished third with its breakfast burrito and grape salad, with each student receiving a $3,000 scholarship offer.
LaRue County will advance to the Southeast Region Junior Chef Competition in Alabama, where champions from seven states will compete.
For more information on the Junior Chef program, contact Tina Garland at tina.garland@ky.gov or visit kyagr.com/junior-chef.
Photo Credit: farm-to-school
Categories: Kentucky, Education