Garvin County 4-H members put their culinary knowledge, creativity and teamwork to the test at the county 4-H Food Showdown contest Tuesday. Participants worked against the clock to create dishes, demonstrate food safety practices and confidently present their results to judges during the event, which is designed to challenge youth in nutrition, food preparation and public presentation.
In the Junior Division, Stratford 4-H members Charlee Cothren and Presley Hallmark claimed Champion honors with an outstanding dish and presentation. The duo led with an impressive score of 99 out of 100, earning first place overall. Their efforts secured them a spot as a district qualifier May 18 at the SE District Food Showdown Contest in Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Earning Reserve Champion honors was Team Five, consisting of team members Connor Selman and Parker Zamarron, of Pauls Valley, and Mattie Woodring, of Wynnewood. The three worked together to present a top scoring dish for the judge.
Stratford 4-H members Hattie Hallmark and Julieanne Wright made up Team Three. The girls wrapped up the contest with a score of 90 out of 100, earning them a solid third place finish.
Team One, which included teammates Cade Selman, Mayer Prince and Henry Sparks placed fourtth overall, with all three boys contributing strongly to the to the team’s successful score and presentation.
Rounding out the Junior Division was Maysville 4-H’s Team Four, placing fifth, with teammates Case Baker Lawson Thompson, Jaxon Thompson, and Addi Collins all playing key roles in the competition.
Starting the Senior Division, Grand Champion honors went to Senior Team Three. The team’s Makena Phelps, of Stratford, and Tinley Milligan, of Pauls Valley, delivered a standout performance with a perfect score of 100 out of 100, earning first place overall. The team will advance to the District Contest in May, where they will vie for a chance to compete at the State Food Showdown contest held during the Oklahoma State 4-H Roundup Conference in July.
Wynnewood 4-H’s Team One cooked up a successful dish, earning them Reserve Champion honors. Teammates Paetyn Woodring, Nevaeh Woodring and Sebastian Schwartz used their secret ingredients: eggs, English muffins and Garbanzo beans, to create a nutritional and tasty dish.
Senior Team Two secured a third-place finish, with Cooper McKinzie and teammates Kally Milligan and Cabren Fowler supporting the team with their seasoned knowledge.
The Food Showdown contest is a fast-paced, hands-on event that encourages 4-H members to build real-world skills in meal planning, nutrition, communication, and teamwork. Through experiences like this, youth gain confidence and practical knowledge that extends far beyond the kitchen.
The success of these participants reflects the dedication, preparation, and leadership developed through the Garvin County 4-H program.
For more information about Garvin County 4-H, contact the OSU Extension Office.
