by Delaney Reaves, Managing Editor

On Feb. 24, Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, held a competition for local high school students. The competition lasted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the winners being announced following the event. 

The Battle At Brightwater held two categories, culinary and baking, with three  winners represented in each. Each first place winner was granted a $1,000 scholarship to further their education at Brightwater. Winners in both culinary and baking, received awards such as medals, certificates, and Brightwater merchandise.

Ivette Garcia from Bentonville West won first place in the culinary division. Mallory Mars from Bentonville West won first place in the baking division. 

In the culinary division, Noah Maienshine won second place and Colin Wilson won third place. 

In the baking division, Mihir Doshi won second place and Valeria Olvera won third place. 

Marshall Shafkowitz, Executive Director at Brightwater since 2019, presented awards but did not judge for the event.

Before presenting the awards he said that the competition is “the greatest interview you will ever have.”

“Stepping out to compete brings a level of fear,” Shafkowitz said. 

Shafkowitz said that the Brightwater competition is an amazing way for high school students to showcase what they have learned. He said that as a pro chef  “I am always blown away by what they produce.” 

In the competition, competitors in the baking category have two hours to complete a dish with food items of student choice and serve three identical plates to the judges. Competitors in the culinary category also have two hours to complete a dish but must prepare an entree of choice to serve to the judges.