A friendly competition at one local school had students mixing their own recipes and vying for a first place finish.

In the Family and Consumer Science Department at South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School, the Advanced Foods Class organized and participated in a Chili Cook-Off. Students searched the Internet, did research and brought in family-favorite chili recipes, then made the chili according to the selected recipe. After much discussion, the first recipe was either trashed or tweaked. If a group trashed its recipe, the hunt was on for a new and improved recipe. Samples of the new and improved chili were offered to five different “judges.”

When the votes were tallied, South’s top chili chefs were announced. Fifth period class winners were Courtnie Carter, Michaela Johnson and Jennifer Marsh with Josh Schwering and Natalie Coomer in second place. Winners eighth period were Patsy Valencia and Courtney Dickson. Sherida Hughes and Hannah Holdreith secured second place honors. Contest judges were Matt Diehl, Crystal Kuntz, Andy Seegers, Jeff Hermesch, Brandi Strand, Cathy Tichenor, Dean Morehead and Josh Grossman. The Foods students seemed to enjoy the friendly competition while experimenting with various combinations of flavorful herbs and spices, according to FCCLA organizer Joyce Crane.