Marcus Whitman Fifth Grader Wins RSD's 2025 Future Chefs Challenge

Eating healthy doesn't always come easy for kids, but 12 RSD elementary students used their culinary skills to create delicious, healthy meals anyone would want to eat at Sodexo’s Future Chef’s Challenge! This year’s theme was “Complete the Plate with Your Favorite Main Dish.” Students were tasked with reimagining their favorite foods into an original dish. 

Marcus Whitman Elementary fifth grader Imogene Soderquist took home first place for her Spam Musubi Bake recipe. Imogene’s unique twist on this classic Hawaiian dish, earned her top honors in the competition. She is eligible to be chosen as a regional finalist and if selected, would be one of five students competing at the national Sodexo competition.

Desert Sky’s Adelynn Stephensen won second place for her “Thing” recipe and Charlotte Burrier from White Bluffs took home third with her Tandoori Spiced Chicken Thighs recipe.

The young chefs worked alongside Tri-Tech Culinary students who mentored them as they cooked their meals. Students had to create a presentation plate, judge’s tasting plates, as well as dozens of tasting portions of their creations for the public.

The students were judged on originality, taste, kid friendliness and use of healthy ingredients. All participating students went home with a chef’s coat and hat, cooking utensils, a backpack, gloves and more to help grow their culinary passion.

A special thank you to Sodexo, RSD’s Nutrition Services team and Tri-Tech Skills Center for helping make this event happen.