BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Students from four Southwest Michigan high schools all competed in the 11th annual Lake Michigan College Hospitality and Culinary Chili Cook-Off on Friday, Dec. 6th at Lake Michigan College.
The competition took place at The Mendel Center on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus.
52 students in teams from St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Dowagiac, and River Valley high schools each prepared a different chili recipe for a panel of judges. Awards were distributed for both the chili itself and the presentation, or “tablescape.”
The Dowagiac High School team Chili Chili Bang Bang took first place in the competition for chili and placed third for their tablescape, while Dowagiac’s Chili Dawgs took first for their tablescape and fourth in the chili category.
River Valley’s Mustang White Chili was second, St. Joseph’s The Pumpkin Spice Girls was third, and Benton Harbor’s Holiday Chili Stars were fifth in the chili category.
For tablescapes, The Pumpkin Spice Girls took second place. The Holiday Chili Stars took fourth and Dowagiac’s Chil-Chil team placed fifth.
“This is a great event where our local high school students can showcase their talents,” said Chris Woodruff, Chair of the Hospitality Management Program at Lake Michigan College. “The students practice time management, organization, and overcoming obstacles, all talents that are needed today. We have many stars who, in a short time, will be leaders in Southwest Michigan’s ever-growing hospitality industry.”
Officials of the event say that the teams were coached by teachers Lauri Berry (St. Joseph), Julie Crimmins (River Valley), Gennifer Gunter (Benton Harbor), and Andy Kruger (Dowagiac).
“The teachers are so great, and we are lucky to have them in Southwest Michigan,” Woodruff said. “The time and leadership they provide for these young people will make a lasting impact on all their lives.”
