Culinary students competing in their first regional Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) tournament earned first place honors and are on their way to the state competition in March.

Three Fayette County High School students enrolled in the culinary career pathway program at the Center of Innovation earned top honors for the menu they prepared for the judges at the FCCLA region competition on February 10. The students are Courtney Dorcena, Leylah Brown, and Albert House.

Culinary teams had to develop their own menus using chicken as the protein. A starch, vegetable, and salad had to accompany the chicken. Courtney, Leylah and Albert’s winning menu included bacon, lettuce, and tomato salad with garlic aioli and balsamic glaze, chicken roulade stuffed with spinach and parmesan cheese, haricuts verts in garlic oil and mushroom and pepper risotto.

Teams are given an hour to prepare the food. They present two plates to the judges that are evaluated on appearance, taste and temperature. Teams are also scored on their safety and appearance, team organization and food production.

The State FCCLA Leadership Conference will take place March 16-18 in Athens.