It’s that time of year again — one of the most exciting and delicious traditions in the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District — Future Chefs!
On Wednesday, February 25 at 2:30 p.m., the 2026 Future Chefs finalists were treated like culinary celebrities from the very start of their big day. In a new twist this year, each finalist was picked up at their elementary school on a school bus and transported to Woodhaven High School for the competition. Accompanying them was Executive Chef Chris Brown, helping set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival, each student chef received their very own chef coat, hat, and apron to wear during the competition. They also had the opportunity to decorate their display tables to showcase their culinary creations before the official opening remarks kicked off the event.
This year’s theme, “Passport to Flavor: Take Your Taste Buds on a Global Adventure,” inspired students to explore international cuisine and share dishes representing flavors from around the world.
Zadie Cernuto, 3rd grade, Erving Elementary – German Potato Salad
Thea Khoury-Johnson, 4th grade, Gudith Elementary – S.S. (Special Spaghetti) with Garlic Bread
Audrey Napier, 4th grade, Wegienka Elementary – Audrey’s Famous Fajitas
Ella VanMarter, 3rd grade, Yake Elementary – Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla
After the introductions, each young chef was escorted into the kitchen by the lead cooks they were paired with for the afternoon. Working side-by-side with experienced staff, they prepared their dishes with care, creativity, and confidence.
Once cooking was complete, the finalists presented their creations to a panel of judges made up of elementary principals and teachers. Students explained their recipes, shared why they chose their dishes, and answered questions about ingredients and preparation. Judges carefully evaluated each entry before tallying their scores.
After much anticipation, the winner was announced — and this year’s Future Chefs Champion is Audrey Napier, a 4th grade student in Mrs. Zambo’s class at Wegienka Elementary, for her flavorful and festive Audrey’s Famous Fajitas.
Audrey said she had a feeling her dish stood out.
“I was kinda surprised when I tasted it. My dish was very good, and I thought I would win. I was surprised and very happy.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students thinking about entering next year, Audrey didn’t hesitate.
“Think about the possible things you can do. When I went in the competition, I had the most fun I’ve had in a while!”
Each finalist received a goodie bag filled with kitchen-related items, celebrating their hard work and creativity. Audrey, as the grand prize winner, also received a baking set, mixing bowls, and additional tools to continue creating meals at home.
The excitement extended beyond the high school kitchen. The event was live streamed on YouTube, and several elementary principals streamed it in their buildings so classmates could cheer on their school’s finalist in real time.
Congratulations to all the participants in this year’s contest!
A Program with National Impact
The Future Chefs program, sponsored by Sodexo, began in the 2008–09 school year and continues to grow nationwide. In 2012, it received the prestigious Innovation of the Year Award in the Menu Development Category from the National Restaurant Association.
By 2018–2019, more than 2,600 students from over 1,300 Sodexo-served schools in 30 states participated in the challenge, representing 256 school districts.
Local winners move on to regional and national levels, where recipes are judged and voted on, and some are even adapted to meet National School Lunch Program guidelines. The top five recipes nationally are featured in Sodexo’s spring elementary promotion series the following year.