Grayson College Host Annual High School Culinary Competition

Grayson College recently hosted its annual High School Culinary Competition, bringing together 15 talented culinary students from Gainesville, Pilot Point, North Lamar-Paris, and Van Alstyne. These aspiring chefs showcased their skills in both sweet and savory categories, competing in an exciting, high-energy event.

A distinguished panel of culinary experts judged the competition, including Chef Joe Fistrovich, Executive Chef at Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant; Cody Daniel, Pastry Sous Chef at Disney World and a Grayson College Culinary alumnus; and Chef Jennifer Denman, the 2024 Texas Chef Association Pastry Chef of the Year and a Grayson College professor. The event highlighted the impressive talents of the next generation of culinary professionals and celebrated their passion for the art of cooking.

“These students have put in a lot of hard work and dedication, and we got to see their creativity and skill in action,” said Joanna Bryant, Grayson College Culinary Professor, who organized the competition. “It's inspiring to see this level of talent coming from the next generation of chefs.”

The competition saw participants create impressive dishes. Each student was given the opportunity to demonstrate their culinary expertise, with the judges providing valuable feedback based on taste, presentation and technique.

“It's always a treat to see how young chefs approach pastry work,” Chef Jennifer Denman said. “There were some impressive desserts today, and it's clear these students are passionate about what they do.”

While the judges were impressed by the students’ technical skills, they also emphasized the importance of creativity and the ability to think outside the box in both savory and sweet cooking.

“At Grayson College, we are proud to support and inspire the next generation of culinary professionals. This competition not only showcases the remarkable talent of these high school students but also reinforces our commitment to hands-on learning and industry excellence,” said GC President Dr. Jeremy McMillen. “Seeing their passion, creativity, and skill in the kitchen is truly inspiring, and we look forward to the bright futures they have ahead

Winners in both categories were announced at the conclusion of the event, and the top competitors were awarded scholarships to Grayson College. 

Pastry Division Winners

• 1st place - Melanie Jaramillo, Gainesville HS, $1,000 scholarship
  
• 2nd place - Isabel Gomez, North Lamar HS, $750 scholarship
  
• 3rd place - Morgan Hicks, North Lamar HS,  $500 scholarship

Savory Division Winners

• 1st place - Tessa Cooper, Van Alstyne HS, $1,000 scholarship
  
• 2nd place - Eliza Thompson, North Lamar HS, $750 scholarship
  
• 3rd place - Wiley Quillan, North Lamar HS, $500 scholarship