Sacajawea Fifth Grader Wins RSD's 2026 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 Favorite Recipe From a Country or Culture Anywhere in the World.” 

Sacajawea Elementary fifth grader Aveline Strelow took home first place for her Chinese Fiesta Fusion Taco Rangoon recipe. Aveline's tasty twist on this classic Chinese 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.

Orchard’s Atticus Clemens won second place for his Potsticker Fruit Taco recipe and Luise Batdorf from Tapteal took home third with her Loaded Papusas 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.

More than 60 RSD 4th and 5th grade students submitted recipes for this year's challenge. The Future Chefs national initiative, now in its16th year, was created to get students thinking about making healthy food choices while also encouraging them to be active and creative in the kitchen.

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