State champs again! Crook County Culinary Team heads to nationals after state win

The Crook County High School Culinary Team took first place at state and is now heading to nationals. Tayah Hagensee (far right) was also named Oregon ProStart Student of the Year. (Photo Courtesy – Crook County School District)

Salem, Ore. — The Crook County High School (CCHS) Culinary Team has cooked up another big win—claiming their second state championship in just three years! This impressive accomplishment earns them a well-deserved spot at the national competition in Baltimore, Maryland.

A statement from the district outlined that the judges reviewed three different courses as outlined below:

The team impressed judges with an exquisite, restaurant-quality menu featuring:

  • Appetizer: Ancho chile-rubbed white shrimp sautéed with sweet roasted corn, caramelized carrots, jalapeños, pistachios, and finished with a touch of crème fraîche, elegantly placed in an avocado rose.
  • Entrée: A perfectly pan-seared Sockeye salmon, highlighting the team’s mastery of technique and flavor.
  • Dessert: A decadent icebox coconut cheesecake with a pistachio white chocolate crust, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

Adding to the celebration, CCHS student Tayah Hagensee was named Oregon ProStart Student of the Year, which the district said is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication within the program.

With their sights now set on Baltimore, the team is ready to take on top high school culinary teams from around the country.

“Congratulations to the Crook County High School Culinary Team, and best of luck at Nationals!” wrote the district’s Communications Director Rich Simons.

We will keep updated on the team’s progress as they head to nationals which takes place May 2nd through the 4th.

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