A third-grade Cayce Elementary School student is the winner of the 13th Annual Future Chefs Challenge in Lexington Two.

A panel of judges selected Dezyah Dewitt’s Cheeseburger Cupcakes as its favorite from among recipes prepared by finalist 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from the district’s six elementary schools.  Recipes, themed for favorite main dishes, were prepared by students in a competition Tuesday in the commercial kitchen at the Lexington Two Innovation Center. Members of the Innovation Center’s Culinary Arts program prepared side dishes and sweets to pair with the main dishes, and families in attendance were able to enjoy the foods.

In addition to Dezyah, other Lexington Two finalists and their schools are:

• Cayce Elementary: Vivian Espinoza Samano, Selah Williamson
• Congaree Elementary: Haines Lowman, Savannah O’Hora
• Riverbank Elementary: Oliver Boyd, Kanani Everett, Paris Williams
• Saluda River Academy for the Arts: Trevor Davis, Seraphina Narang
• Springdale Elementary: Christian Laird, Molly Laird
• Wood Elementary: Levi Norris, Willow Norris

Dezyah will now represent Lexington Two at the statewide competition. The district’s 2022 winner, Chandler Dorn, who served as a judge in this year’s event, went on to win the 2022 national championship. 

The annual Future Chefs Challenge is presented by Sodexo.