Coventry 3rd Grader Wins District 47 Future Chef Competition

Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 recently hosted its annual Sodexo Future Chef Competition, giving elementary students the chance to showcase their culinary creativity. This year’s theme invited students to submit their favorite recipe inspired by a country or culture from anywhere in the world.

Students prepared and presented their recipes for a panel of judges that included District 47 Superintendent Kathy Hinz, Assistant Superintendent of Business Cathy Nelson, Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian, Community Resource Officer Kelsi McGrath, and Erik Nordstrom from 1776 Restaurant.

After presenting his dish, Coventry Elementary third-grader Edwin was named the 2026 Future Chef winner for Tío Tacos with a Side of Rice and Beans. Edwin’s recipe impressed the judges with its bold flavors and thoughtful presentation. His winning dish celebrates classic taco ingredients and family-inspired cooking.

Tío Tacos Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Flour and corn tortillas
• 1 package shredded cheese
• 1 package shredded lettuce
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 jar of salsa

Method

1. Brown ground beef.
2. Mix the ground beef with taco seasoning.
3. Slice the tomatoes and onion.
4. Use Flour Tortillas & Corn Tortillas; scoop meat mixture onto Tortillas and add toppings.

Edwin will now advance and represent District 47 at the regional level of the competition. 

The competition featured several talented young chefs from across the district:

• Rylie, a 3rd grader from Indian Prairie Elementary, prepared Mini Lava Cakes.
• Maddie, a 4th grader from Glacier Ridge Elementary, prepared Orange Cranberry Scones.
• Ellie, a 3rd grader from North Elementary, prepared Irish Soda Bread.
• Charlie, a 3rd grader from Woods Creek Elementary, prepared Tortellini Soup.
• Edwin, a 3rd grader from Coventry Elementary, prepared Tio Tacos with a side of Rice & Beans.
• Willa, a 4th grader from Canterbury Elementary, prepared Willa's Cozy Kitchen Mac & Cheese.
• Krish, a 3rd grader from Husmann Elementary, prepared MoMo.
• Caroline, a 3rd grader from South Elementary, prepared Japanese Sunflower Rice Omelet.
• Gabriela, a 3rd grader from West Elementary, prepared Brazilian Carrot Cake.