The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Student’s cooking talents recognized
One Ely Elementary School fifth-grader had a surpise waiting for her at school April 18.
It was announced in the school’s gymnasium that 11-year-old Briana Keith’s food recipe had received national recognition. Her Thai Chicken Tacos ranking in the top 40, out of more than 250 students, in the national Sodexo Future Chef Competition.
“This is the sixth year of the competition for the district and the first time we have had someone finish this high,” said Amy Higgins, director of communication and marketing for the Elyria City School District. “The Sodexo competition has us run a district competition and each elementary school chooses a fifth-grader’s recipe to compete. Briana was able to impress judges for the citywide competition and that earned her this opportunity.”
Tera Fridley, the Elyria Schools’ Sodexo general manager, said the contestants were judged on a certain set of criteria.
“Judges were looking at originality, healthy attributes, easy preparation, kid friendliness and plate presentation when preparing an Asian-themed dish,” she said. Obviously, these where all things Briana’s dish excelled at. The award comes with the recognition of national excellence as well as a new iPad Mini. It was awesome presenting the award to her and you can tell she’s excited.”
Briana said it didn’t take long for her to decide what recipe to use for the competition.
“This recipe is something my mother taught me and something I was very confident in using,” she said. “Cupcakes are one of my favorite things to make as well as the Thai Chicken Tacos I made for the competition. I often make dinner at home and have always loved to cook. I could see myself being a chef in the future.”
Superintendent Tom Jama said the entire district is proud of Briana’s accomplishment.
“This is quite an amazing feat,” he said. “It is absolutely fantastic to see how hard she worked at this and that she was deservingly rewarded. She will be making her recipe for her fellow fifth-graders for lunch some time in May. I will be back for that, and I can not wait to try her delicious dish.”