Nazareth Area Middle School Claims Victory in "Sushi Scholars" Challenge

Once again, Kome was host to of Sushi Scholar challengers on Tuesday night, as family and consumer sciences teacher Kristen DeMille and Whitehall High School's English teacher, Kelly Lesh battled for the title of "Sushi Scholar."

As of 9 p,m., NAMS was ahead, but not by a wide margin.

DeMille's sushi roll was called the "Best Buddy Roll" in support of her charity, the "Best Buddy Program" at NAMS. The program works to incorporate special needs children with their peers and encourages social interaction. Profits raised will be used to offer more activities for the children.

The "Best Buddy Roll" consisted of shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber wrapped in rice and a soy wrap (not a seaweed wrap). It was topped with a deliciously sweet mango salsa, coconut aioli and mint oil.

Lesh competed with a "Zenful Zephyr Roll" in support of her charity, the Zephyr Academy at Whitehall High School. The Zephyr Academy allows 9th grade students to acclimate into high school via social outings and other events to make them feel more confident in their transition to the larger school.

The “Zenful Zephyr Roll” was created with spicy tuna, avocado, lobster, cucumber, pineapple, and was topped with chives, fish roe and soy reduction.

The final score was 796 to 971 with a Nazareth victory, which means the “Best Buddy Program” will receive a percentage of the night’s profits.

Peter Breslow, Kome publicist, said the idea began months ago with a press release asking local schools to participate. The participants wrote an essay describing their interest in raising money for certain programs within their schools, as well as their love for food.

“The first competition had more participants, but the food at this one seems to be a little bit better,” Breslow said.

Breslow said the response to the friendly competition has been great. Even people who have come in to eat who aren’t part of the school community have been enjoying it.

“You get two great dishes for $20, and if you feel like taking the added step for voting on them, you can go ahead and be a judge in a little mini 'Top Chef,'” Breslow added.

Voting is based on three categories: taste, presentation and creativity. Five points can be given for each category for an ultimate total of 15 if the dish is superb.

Breslow clarified that the championship for the Sushi Scholars was initially scheduled for the end of April, but might be moved to early May depending on who wins.