Clyde A. Erwin High FCCLA Members Earn NC Jr. Chef Finalist Spot

Students from the Clyde A. Erwin High School FCCLA chapter in Buncombe County, North Carolina, are celebrating a major achievement as members of the Tastebud Trailblazers Jr. Chef Team were named North Carolina Jr. Chef Finalists, placing them among the top five teams in the state.

“Getting this far already feels like a win for us, making NC top five,” said Payton. “We worked really hard on this recipe, and it would mean a lot to know that all of our teamwork paid off.”

The team’s project focused on creating a dish that students their age would realistically choose to eat while meeting school lunch nutrition standards and highlighting ingredients grown in North Carolina. Students brainstormed ideas, selected locally grown and commonly available ingredients, and completed multiple rounds of recipe testing. Throughout the process, they conducted taste tests, analyzed nutrition data, and revised their recipe based on feedback related to flavor, appearance, and school nutrition guidelines.

While excitement continues to build, the team is keeping one important detail under wraps.
 “Even though we’re excited to share our journey, we’re keeping our recipe name and details a secret until the results are announced,” shared Shelby. “It makes it even more fun because we know how much work we put into it, and we can’t wait to finally tell everyone what we made.”

The project’s impact extended beyond competition preparation. Approximately 40 Family and Consumer Sciences students participated in taste testing and feedback, and more than 20 hours were dedicated to research, cooking, and revision. Along the way, students strengthened skills in culinary techniques, food safety, teamwork, communication, and sustainability while learning how local agriculture connects to healthier food choices.

Being selected as a North Carolina Jr. Chef Finalist reflects FCCLA’s mission to strengthen families and communities through education and leadership. The Tastebud Trailblazers’ work highlights how Career and Technical Education, nutrition, and local agriculture can come together to empower students to lead with purpose and passion, proving the future of food is bright and being created right in the classroom.