![Future Chef Aria Torres]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709066802/rsdedu/ojvswezjggcpmhzmm9sx/editedIMG_7942WEB.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709066802/rsdedu/ojvswezjggcpmhzmm9sx/editedIMG_7942WEB.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709066802/rsdedu/ojvswezjggcpmhzmm9sx/editedIMG_7942WEB.jpg","width":770}])
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 is Favorite Family Recipes.
Marcus Whitman Elementary fourth grader Aria Torres took home first place for her Strawberry Oatmeal Bar recipe. Aria’s layered bars are drizzled in a vanilla glaze, making them the perfect treat! Aria is eligible to be chosen as a regional finalist and if selected, would be one of five students competing at the national Sodexo competition.
The 12 finalists, worked alongside Tri-Tech Culinary students who mentored them as they cooked their meals. Students had to create a presentation plate, four judges plates, as well as dozens of tasting portions of their creations for the public.
Local restauranteur Megan Savely (owner of Frost Me Sweet), along with Superintendent Dr. Shelley Redinger, Executive Director of Operations Richard Krasner and Sodexo General Manager Brad Wall, judged the creations 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.
The 12 RSD finalists included:
- Kiptyn Beaman (Desert Sky) – White Chicken Chili
- Ridhi Erla (Lewis & Clark) – Berry Bread Pudding
- Sadie Fewel (White Bluffs) – Mexican Hoedown
- Harper Heilman (William Wiley) – Twisty Rainbow Salad
- Graham Milton (Three Rivers HomeLink) – The Breakfast Bundle
- Shelby Olsen (Sacajawea) – Cheesey French Loaf
- Jeovani Rocha (Tapteal) – Analicia’s Special Fettuccine
- Emily Sidwell (Orchard) – Emily’s Fried Rice
- Elliott Stegen (Jefferson) – GG’s Famous Gluten-Free Waffles
- Aria Torres (Marcus Whitman) – Strawberry Oatmeal Bar
- Joe Volmer (Jason Lee) – Joe’s Korean Bowl
- Hunter Wintczak (Badger Mountain) – Southwest Fish Tacos
A special thank you to Sodexo, RSD’s Nutrition Services team and Tri-Tech Skills Center for helping make this event happen.
