Two teams from the Ranchview HS culinary program competed in the first ever inaugural Junior World Food Championship in Dallas. This was the first year the annual World Food Championships expanded to a junior-level, allowing high schoolers to compete in the competition.

Team Lafoy, led by executive chef Autumn Lafoy, sous chef Emma Wu and assistant Claudia Mathis, won a spot on the World Food Stage for impressing the judges with their tex-mex gordita plate. The team took home third place overall with their dish. 

Ranchview’s second team, Team Cherry, led by executive chef Hugh Cherry, sous chef Ja'marion Jones and assistant Christina Mokom, plans to perfect their recipe and re-enter the competition again next year.

"I am extremely proud of our students," said Yeshenia Gallardo, Ranchview Culinary Instructor. "They worked hard, were professional and created some delicious and creative dishes."

Culinary arts is part of the career and technical education program at Ranchview HS. The program aims atl teaching students valuable skills in the areas of food prep, food science, kitchen math and food presentation. Students who enroll in the program graduate with the skills needed to succeed in a professional food service setting. 

To learn more about Ranchview’s Culinary Arts program and all the CTE programs offered in CFBISD, please visit the Career and Technical Education website.