NATIONAL COMPETITION — Two teams from Buckeye Local High School competed in the Cook Around the World culinary competition in Orlando. One team earned a special judge’s award for presentation. This was the second time the school attended the event. Buckeye was the only Ohio school to attend. Teammates earning their award included, from left, Alyssa Dailey, Allie Emfield, John Bennington, Landon Durbin, Brennin Takach, Sydney Snyder, Tatum Walker and Kamden Kinyo. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — Buckeye Local High School’s Foods 2 class received an award for its culinary display at April’s Cooks of the World competition at Disney World Epcot in Orlando.

The team, led by teacher Luke Fabry, earned a special Judge’s Award. Two teams took part in the hands-on culinary experience. They attended a leadership seminar and heard from top chefs and representatives at top colleges and universities regarding careers in the culinary and hospitality fields.

Here’s how it works.

Students select a random envelope featuring a culture, a protein and four ingredients they must use for their dish.

Team one consisted of seniors Brennin Takach, Sydney Snyder, Alyssa Dailey, Tatum Walker, John Bennington, Allie Emfield and Landon Durbin; and junior Kamden Kinyo.

Team two consisted of seniors Koltn Roush, Alex McDiffitt, Avah Williams, Addison Muldrew, Madison Roset and Leven Sawko; junior Jorge Alvarez and sophomore Daniel Divjak.

Fabry stated how proud he was of everyone involved.

There were 10 categories for appetizers and entrees, allowing for a possible 40 points each based on everything from presentation to taste.

The theme was entitled “The European Continent,” with the group creating a shrimp paella with a Mediterranean feta side dish Sea Monster Salada. Given a 90-minute timeframe, the team earned a summary award for stylish plating and menu.

“Each team had to prepare an appetizer and entrée with a randomly-assigned continent of origin, an assigned protein and four must-use items,” Fabry explained. “There is a common area which all teams share. A really big comment was how pretty the dish was.”

He said officials noted the colorful presentation.

“I knew that would be a place where we could put it over the top,” he exclaimed. “We walked away with an overall award and Buckeye Local received 314 points out of a perfect score of 400. I was so proud. The students could not believe they won. The excitement was extremely energizing. I was so proud of their accomplishments because they worked hard all year.”

And students agreed. “It was awesome,” Durbin said. “It was very exciting and I was shocked.”

“It was very different than I thought it was going to be,” Snyder commented.

“It was a different experience,” added Emfield. “I learned a lot from it and it was stressful but exciting. I was proud of our team. We’re a relatively small school and I felt like we achieved something. It was really special. I was glad to experience it with my friends.”

Buckeye Local was the only school from Ohio to take part in the competition, joining 82 students from 70 schools nationwide. Fabry said it was amazing to see the school gain recognition amongst culinary and career-tech schools.

Last year, one of his teams placed fourth with an Asian side dish, and narrowly missing a top spot by a few points.

“I’m undecided about returning next year since there is a ton of work involved,” Fabry said. “It takes up the students’ and my free time, but I will always try to go every other year, with the possibility of going on in between. They learned how to work as a team under heavy pressure, and learned they could win!”

Fabry has been part of the culinary program for 12 years. He held frequent contests similar to Cook Around the World to prepare students, who were judged by teachers. He said not only do the students learn in class, but they made great strides to prepare for the Florida competition.

“The students worked tirelessly on their skills and raising money for this trip,” Fabry concluded, saying they raised $27,000 in four months to cover expenses. “I want them to know I appreciate the hard work, dedication and kindness. I would like to thank the parents for their support and the wonderful job they did raising their kids. I want the community to know our appreciation for showing up and supporting us at every opportunity!”