News and Challenge Updates

The culinary team from Edmonton’s St. Joseph Catholic High School defeated 15 other teams to take home the Gold Medal at the High School Culinary Challenge Awards Dinner Monday, March 17. Silver went to Dr. Anne Anderson High School and Bronze went to Bev Facey High School. 16 Student teams from Edmonton and surrounding areas competed by cooking a three-course meal on March 8th inside the NAIT’s kitchens and were judged on preparation, timing, sanitation, presentation and of course taste! The 2025 competition was proudly presented by our title sponsor Alberta Pork, with support from a number of other local organizations.

“From seeing the past 17 years of High School Culinary Challenges, we are all appreciative of the momentum the event gives to our competitors in their career pathways, as well as to our high school courses and to our city’s vibrant food scene. The Challenge also supports apprenticeship training – which is immensely valuable and one of the most equitable education opportunities available. Once again we are excited to support this incredible event and see what these young chefs can do!” – Andrew Hess, HSCC Chair.

A very special element of the Awards Program included the announcement of honouring the three founders of the HSCC, by naming our scholarships after them. Stanley Townsend, Simon Smotkowicz and Jan Anderson were recognized for their incredible efforts and passion for culinary education.

The Stanley Townsend Scholarship Recipient is Kestra Daum from Paul Kane High School. The Simon Smotkowicz Scholarship Recipient is Jaden Blakis from St. Joseph Catholic High School. The Jan Anderson Scholarship Recipient is Keagan Upstone from St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School. We had so many wonderful applicants this year we were able to give a fourth scholarship to Polina Borysiuk from St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School.

It’s safe to say that the culinary arts are alive and well in Edmonton, and these chefs will all go on to do amazing things!

Coming up on April 30th at the Royal Glenora Club is the main fundraiser of the year for the HSCC – Hot Chefs Cool bEATs will include food stations, drink stations, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Please consider joining us for an amazing evening to support the next generation of chefs!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE