An 'Iron Chef'-Style Challenge For Douglas Students

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Culinary students from Douglas County public schools took part in an "Iron Chef"-style cooking competition recently.

In May, Gordon Food Service challenged students from Douglas County High School and New Manchester High School to a cooking competition at its Douglasville distribution center. The students were all participants in Douglas County's Nutrition and Food Science pathways.

Students were required to prepare three dishes — an appetizer, an entree and a dessert — using the secret ingredient, corn.

Judges for the competition were Chef Veronica from The Vine restaurant in Douglasville, Chef Scott from Gordon Food Service and Doug McBrayer, general manager at Gordon Food Service. They judged entries on execution, appearance and taste.

The overall winner was Shermar Frazier, from New Manchester High School.

Food Science teachers Mikella Rutter from Douglas County High School and Shaughna Robinson from New Manchester High School coached the students in the competition.

Nutrition and Food Science classes are part of Douglas County schools' Career, Technical and Agricultural Education curriculum available in all high schools.

Gordon Food Service partnered with the Douglas school system during the 2016-17 school year. Students visited the business to learn about careers in the food industry, from sales and marketing to distribution to culinary.

The company plans to continue the partnership next school year and hopes to host a similar "Iron Chef" competition next year.

Photos courtesy Douglas County School System