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Future Chef Competition

Future Chef Competition

by Renee Fite

City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media


Stilwell fourth grade student Jaidyn Girdner earned first place in the Future Chef competition last week over four other competitors, winning a trophy, certificate, cookware and a cookbook.


Also joining the fun were Shelby Pack, fourth grade; Charlee Gardenhire, third grade; Brently Liles, fourth grade; and Chevelle Hopkins, fourth grade.


It feels great, said Jaidyn.


“I love to cook, this is my favorite family meal. According to my music teacher I speak really well. I still get nervous, but it’s really fun,” said Jaidyn.


Shelby took second place with Mexican Shrimp and Rice Skillet.

 “We usually cook it on our family game night,” said Shelby.

Steve Garrett recording his podcast


Five students competed in the Future Chef event at Stilwell Elementary, and four judges were on hand to choose a winner. Front row, from left, are: Brently Liles, Jaidyn Gardner, Charlee Gardenhire, Shelby Pack and Chenille Hopkins.

Renee Fite photo

She entered the competition because she wanted to try cooking.

Third place was Chevelle with My Mom’s High School Deluxe Sandwich.

“She made this when she was in high school. Me and my family like it and I see my mom make it all the time,” said Chevelle.


She entered the Future Chef competition to, “try out and see how other people like my food.”


Charlee placed fourth with Cowboy Stir fry.


“The sausage is my favorite part,” said Charlee of her entry. “I wanted to try something new. This is fun.”


Fifth place was Brently with Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken. He likes to cook with his parents at home and sometimes by himself.


“I really love cooking. This is very simple and easy to make and very good. It takes about 25 minutes,” said Brently.

The fourth annual competition (skipping 2020) was held in the elementary cafeteria, Tuesday morning, March 26 and organized by General Manager Becky Clark.


They all did a great job and their food was delicious, Clark said. It’s her fifth year with the school as GM.


“We had 14 enter and had a panel of judges narrowed it down to seven. Two were no show’s today,” said Clark.


The Future Chef competition is a good experience for the students.

“They learn to speak out. I’d a good social skill and cooking skill, they even learn math with measuring the food items. They decorate their table according to their own personality,” Clark said.


 The winner will go to nationals, virtually.

“The prizes are bigger, with a laptop and more, I forget what all. Last year the national winner was from Claremore,” she said.


Sticky ham and cheese sliders were the winning food Jaidyn prepared for the judges: Mayor Jean Ann Wright, Stilwell School Board President Sandy Ritter, School Board Member Donna Wheeler and School Nutrition Director Carla Fields.


The judges all enjoyed seeing the students present their meals.

Mayor Wright said Jaidyn’s enthusiasm and ability to talk about the meal she prepared really boosted her confidence and it showed.

“All the student’s did a great job and it was a good competition. I appreciate Becky and the school providing this opportunity for the youth to show what they can do. It’s a good experience for them.”


It’s good any time kids can get up in front of an audience, Ritter said.

“It helps them be a better student. We don’t get to come down here much and I like to watch the kids,” said Ritter. 

Wheeler also likes to visit the elementary school. “I love cooking and seeing what the kids do,” Wheeler said.

This gives students another opportunity to shine, said Fields.


“They can show their skills and it’s another area for them to go for something. And I’m getting ideas for cooking and their presentation makes it appetizing,” Fields said.


Several parents were in the audience. After the winner was announced, Jaidyn’s mom, Brandy Girdner, said, “We’re excited. She loves to cook.”


The Future Chef competition is a good experience.


“I think children should go outside of their comfort zone and participate in things that challenge them. This helps with public speaking. We encourage her to cook. She’ll need to provide for her family some day,” Girdner said.

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