LOCATION
4207 Walnut Street
Walnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA 19104
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jessica Dougherty Senior High School Coordinator
Admissions
267-295-2384jdougherty@walnuthillcollege.edu2026 High School Culinary Competition
Description
Every spring, Walnut Hill College holds its very own in-person Culinary Competition to discover and recognize rising talent among high school students. Each competition is open to high school seniors who have been admitted to Walnut Hill College. (If you have not applied to the college yet, there is still time to apply now!)
The Culinary Arts Competition challenges students to cook a chicken dish and one side dish using an array of ingredients provided in our kitchens. While everyone receives the same chicken recipe, each student must create their own side dish without using a printed recipe on competition day. This twist to the competition really brings out the inventive cooking ideas we love to see!
Students are also tested on knife skills.
Full details of the competition will be sent to all registrants, so they can fully prepare.
Competitors are split into two divisions based on their high school. The two divisions are vocational-technical school and non-vocational-technical high school students.
Each division of the Culinary Competition awards Walnut Hill College scholarships to three winners in the amounts of:
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $2,500
- Third Place: $1,500
Because we believe that putting yourself out there and taking a risk should be celebrated, we also offer all participants in the competitions $1,000 scholarship if they do not place in the top three.
As a bonus for your high school, the first-place winner earns their school a $500 award for its Family and Consumer Science Department or Culinary/Pastry Arts Program.
Please note: All scholarships awarded to competitors are only redeemable at Walnut Hill College as payment towards tuition. Also students are only allowed to sign up for either the Culinary or Pastry Competition.
Questions & Answers
Check in will open at 8am with the competition beginning promptly at 9am. Competitors are expected to arrive early enough to be fully set up in the kitchens before the 9am competition start. That said, it is asked that competitors not arrive prior to the 8am opening of check in.
8am-8:30am Arrival Time (students can bring their supplies and equipment up to their assigned workspace)
8:30am-8:45am Continental Breakfast for students and guests. Welcome address and introduction to staff and judges.
9am-11am Competition- competitors in the kitchen
11am-11:30am Clean up (student may not leave kitchen until approved by staff member)
12-12:30pm Hor D'oeuvres. Guests will have an opportunity to see all dishes as they will be on display.
12:30pm Award Ceremony
We have a free parking lot for competitors and guests directly next to the main building (Allison Mansion) on campus. Please note that parking is first come first serve.
You should bring all your own tools and equipment including your serving plates (Competitors will have to present two finished versions of their main chicken dish and side dish). Walnut Hill College will provide pots, pans, cutting boards, and bowls.
Walnut Hill College will also provide all ingredients for the recipe as well as a variety of vegetables, potatoes and starches for students to choose from for their side dish. We do not allow any outside spices, herbs or ingredients.
We ask that if you have a chef uniform please wear it. Make sure it is clean and pressed. If you do not have one then we recommend a pair of long black pants and white shirt. Non slip shoes that cover the whole foot are required. Please make sure your hair is neatly tucked up and in a plain hat and/or hair net.
Yes of course! You are allowed one person to help you bring up your equipment. However they must leave as soon as they place the equipment on your assigned station. Guests of competitors may watch the competition via a livestream in our main bistro.
