Last week, NWCSD 21 held a Future Chefs Competition for third through fifth grade students spanning all three elementary schools in The Dalles. The competition was held at The Dalles Middle School, with the judges panel including Superintendent Carolyn Bernal, School Board Directors Dayna Wynn-Elledge, John Nelson and David Jones, and Chief Financial Officer Randy Anderson.
Last week, NWCSD 21 held a Future Chefs Competition for third through fifth grade students spanning all three elementary schools in The Dalles. The competition was held at The Dalles Middle School, with the judges panel including Superintendent Carolyn Bernal, School Board Directors Dayna Wynn-Elledge, John Nelson and David Jones, and Chief Financial Officer Randy Anderson.
School Board Director Wynn-Elledge and Superintendent Carolyn Bernal oversee student Devyn Rice preparing a dish for the competition.
Wynn-Elledge talks to Runner-up Milagros Ortiz Marinez while Nutrition Team Member Miriam Torrez Valdez assists.
THE DALLES — Learning goes beyond textbooks.
Students thrive when they’re actively engaged. That’s why schools are embracing hands-on experiences that bring real-world skills to life, such as cooking.
This approach was on full display last week at the Future Chefs Competition, where third through fifth-grade students from North Wasco County School District (NWCSD) showcased their creativity and culinary talents.
Hosted by Sodexo Schools, the competition challenged students to create delicious, healthy dishes while mastering fundamental cooking techniques. Each elementary school was well represented, with young chefs bringing their A-game to this year’s challenge: “Your Favorite Main Dish.”
Judges Bernal, Nelson and Anderson gather samples of the students’ dishes.
Contributed photoEarlier this year, our budding student chefs submitted recipes, and the top finalists put their skills to the test in a live cooking showdown. Their dishes were judged on taste, healthiness, kid-friendliness, originality, ease of preparation, plate presentation, and their ability to present their creations to the judges.
The event wasn’t just about competition — it was about learning through doing. From chopping vegetables to plating their dishes with artistic flair, students gained confidence in the kitchen while developing essential life skills.
Future Chefs Competition winner Gwen McNeal chops radishes for her Pozole recipe.
Contributed photoThis year’s panel of judges included Superintendent Carolyn Bernal, along with NWCSD Board Members John Nelson, David Jones, and Dayna Wynn-Elledge. Their enthusiasm and support made the event even more special, and we extend a heartfelt thank you for their time and dedication to our students.
At the end of the competition, one talented young chef stood out — congratulations to Gwen McNeal, our district’s Future Chefs Champion. She wowed the judges with her family’s Pozole recipe. She will now move on to compete at the regional level, and we can’t wait to watch her as she represents our district with pride.
Gwen McNeal stands with competition runner up Milagros Ortiz Marinez.
Contributed photoEvents like the Future Chefs Competition highlight the importance of hands-on learning in today’s schools. Whether it’s cooking, science experiments, robotics, or art projects, these experiences spark curiosity, build confidence, and equip students with skills they’ll use for a lifetime. Thank you to all the students, staff, judges, and families who made this event a success.
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