Last weekend, the Frenship Barbecue Team loaded up their aprons to compete in the O’Donnell Regional Competition. In this competition, students are required to start and manage a wood burning smoker, prep and cook a whole brisket, two racks of ribs, a whole chicken, pinto beans, and a dessert of choice. Once everything is complete the students turn in their dishes to a panel of eight judges.
Emily Hammons, Frenship High School Advanced Culinary Arts Teacher, says it takes a lot of dedication and hard work by the students to prepare for the competition.
“We are allowed to get to the school at 4:30 A.M. to start setting up all of our equipment that we will need for the day, and students can fire up the smoker and start cooking at 6:00 A.M. There are numerous turns in times throughout the day for the different categories that you have to be attentive to, and the last one usually isn't until about 3:00 P.M. It’s an early morning and late afternoon,” said Hammons.
The FHS BBQ Team came in 1st place in the beans category. Hammons is very proud of her students and the experience that they gained in this tough competition.
“I am super proud of my students in how they did overall,” said Hammons. “None of these students had really ever worked with a smoker, especially one the size of the one we have, so for many of them this was a first and they all crushed it! I was proud of them for just attending and trying something new to the majority of them, but 1st place was definitely the icing on the cake!”
Hammons believes that it’s important for students to gain experience outside the classroom in different competitions and events. These hands-on opportunities allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings, building confidence and practical knowledge.
“Our career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are amazing opportunities for students to potentially obtain scholarships, references, or even future career opportunities,” said Hammons. “Our CTSOs in our department partner with multiple colleges, trade schools, businesses and even the military to bring people in to talk to the students on how they could continue the work they are doing in the organization into a future career if they're interested. These organizations really set students up for life after high school and a potential career opportunity they never thought about.”
For additional information on Frenship BBQ Team, click here.
Great work, students! We are proud of you!