St. Lucie West Centennial High School Represented at Sunshine Kitchen Culinary Cook-Off

We are so incredibly proud of our Centennial alumni and IRSC student Jorge Cabrera, along with our amazing student, Janiyah Henry, for their outstanding performance at the Sunshine Kitchen Fifth Annual Culinary Scholarship Competition!

They came just shy of the win—but absolutely captivated the judges with their creativity, skill, and artistry. Their dish, a Pear Chutney Pork Melt layered with melted Tillamook aged cheddar, fresh cilantro, and fried mac & cheese bites made with gooey fontina, stood out as the only mac & cheese not confined to a ramekin—earning high praise for originality and bold innovation.

Their sanitation was flawless, teamwork seamless, and their kitchen callbacks unmatched. Every movement reflected the dedication, discipline, and passion that define excellence in culinary arts. Competitions like this remind us that cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about creativity, leadership, and heart coming together in one unforgettable experience.

We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible team. Congratulations to Chef Gedke-Balaschak and to our students.  What a phenomenal showcase of Eagle excellence, talent, and the true spirit of culinary passion!

 

Author: Sandra Oliveira

Staff - (Changed 4/10/2026 11:58:18 AM)