YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A team of culinary arts students from Choffin Career & Technical Center recently participated in the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase, a statewide culinary competition.
The competition, funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture 2022 Farm to School Formula Grant, is designed to develop student interest in nutrition and culinary arts career pathways through hands-on experience in creating and preparing an original school lunch recipe using fresh, locally sourced Ohio ingredients.
Choffin Career & Technical Center was one of just five teams selected from across the state to compete in the final competition in Columbus on May 8.
Representing the Youngstown City School District and Choffin Career & Technical Center was Choffin’s culinary arts team, Defenders of Flavor, under the direction of culinary arts instructor Tricia Goodnough. The team was made up of four culinary arts juniors: Mariell Lee, Breylin Yuman de La Rosa, Alondra Rivera Rodriguez and Matthias Meadows.
As part of the competition, students developed an original recipe titled Defenders Power Lunch, which Tascin Brooks, YCSD director of food service, has agreed to incorporate into the district lunch menu next school year.
Throughout the competition, students were challenged to think critically, collaborate under pressure and adapt in real time as unexpected issues arose in the kitchen.
Though the team didn’t return home with a winning banner, the students gained valuable hands-on experience and demonstrated professionalism, teamwork and resilience throughout the event.
“I’ve truly enjoyed serving as a mentor to these students throughout the process of developing their original recipe,” Brooks said. “Watching them collaborate, problem-solve and bring their ideas to life has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to include Defenders Power Lunch on the district’s menu next school year.”
YCSD Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor said he’s “incredibly proud” of the students.
“While they didn’t take home the top prize, the teamwork and professionalism they displayed on this grand stage were truly a testament to their hard work and leadership,” he said. “We applaud our scholars for representing Youngstown with such talent and pride.”
Michael Saville, director of Choffin, praised the students for their dedication and growth throughout the process.
“We are incredibly proud of the Defenders of Flavor team,” he said. “Competitions like this provide students with authentic, real-world learning experiences that go far beyond the classroom. These students demonstrated perseverance, professionalism, creativity and teamwork while representing our career center at a high level.”
Pictured at top: Choffin Career & Technical Center culinary arts students compete during the Ohio Grown: Student Chef Showcase in Columbus.