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Local high school teams win big at College culinary competition

February 14, 2020

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Johnson County Community College recently hosted the fifth annual High School Culinary Competition at the Wylie Hospitality and Culinary Academy (WHCA). Fifteen teams were invited to hone their culinary skills while preparing for real-world careers.

High school students representing the Kansas City Kansas Community College Technical Education Center earned the highest overall score for their three-course meal, earning them the title of “Best in Show.” Each member of the winning team received a $1,000 scholarship to be used toward future enrollment in the JCCC Hospitality & Culinary Arts program.

In second place, members of the Herndon Career Center in Raytown each received a $500 JCCC scholarship. Local sponsors provided additional prizes such as knife sets, kitchen tools and gift baskets, ensuring no team left empty-handed.

Area chefs and industry professionals judged each team on presentation, flavor, culinary knowledge and basic kitchen skills.

“The level of execution from high school culinary students is becoming more elevated each year we host this competition; this year was no exception. We always welcome the opportunity for talented students to elevate their skills at a higher level in our facility,” said Jerry Marcellus, JCCC Hospitality Management Professor.

The JCCC Hospitality & Culinary Arts program offers renowned teaching and produces career-ready professionals in two years or less. This industry is one of the largest private employers in the United States. The College is committed to preparing our students and the local community to meet current workforce needs.

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