MISSION, TEXAS (April 4, 2025) – The Culinary Arts team from Veterans Memorial High School is turning up the heat and serving excellence! After earning 3rd place at the SkillsUSA District Conference, the team has earned a spot at the SkillsUSA State Competition, being held April 2–5, 2025, in Corpus Christi, TX.
Their next big challenge? The SkillsUSA Culinary Arts Quiz Bowl — a high-energy, fast-paced, Jeopardy-style showdown where aspiring chefs go head-to-head to showcase their culinary knowledge.
According to SkillsUSA Texas, this event is no piece of cake. Contestants are grilled on everything from classical cooking techniques and food safety to global cuisine, nutrition, and restaurant management.
Representing the Veterans Memorial High School Culinary Arts team are:
- Audrie Gutierrez
- Taylor Hallquist
- Scarlet Rosales
- Yatzirita García
- Gerardo Mejia
- Cameron Keyes
These six student chefs have been sharpening their skills and whisking together knowledge, confidence, and teamwork to rise to the occasion.
“It’s not just about knowing the answers - it’s about thinking fast,” said VMHS Culinary Arts Student Taylor Hallquist. “We’ve put in a lot of work, and I’m proud of how we’ve grown as a team. We’re ready to bring our best to state.”
The SkillsUSA Culinary Arts Quiz Bowl is designed to challenge students in real-time, team-based scenarios, giving them a taste of what it’s like to thrive in a professional kitchen under pressure. Beyond the facts and figures, the event builds essential career skills such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
“This experience truly pushes our students to step out of the classroom and into a pressure-cooker environment that mirrors the culinary industry,” said Carolina Ramos, Culinary Arts Teacher and team sponsor.
“They’ve worked really hard preparing for this week, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Mission CISD is proud to support programs that help students simmer with creativity, rise with confidence, and serve up success—and the Culinary Arts team from Veterans Memorial High School is a shining example. The district wishes them the very best as they continue to represent the Mission community with excellence and passion.
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