Corbin High School’s “Roastin’ Redhounds” junior chef team are moving onto the final four in the state competition.
The team of Kendell Lewis, Rachel Standifer and Sierra Johnson defeated Taylor County in the opening round of the 15-team competition.
The girls were so fun on stage today. They were laughing and working so good together,” said Coach Jessica Lester. “They even had a little bit of a hiccup because an ingredient that they needed wasn’t there for them when they started but it didn’t even seem to bother them at all. They just kept a positive mind set and improvised.”
“I felt very confident going into the competition and thought we would win,” Johnson said.
“Competing at the state fair was so much more fun than I anticipated,” Standifer said.
Third Region Champion Raceland, which had received a bye in the first round, forfeited the second round match.
As a result, Corbin advances and will face East Jessamine on Thursday.
East Jessamine earned its place in the final four by defeating defending state champion Montgomery County.
The Redhounds lost to Montgomery County in the finals in 2017.
One member of the team has been recognized for her individual effort.
Lewis was awarded the Chef Wally Brenner All-Stars Award for her positive attitude during the competition.
“The commentator asked me questions while I was preparing my strawberry apple salsa and I got really nervous but answered them the best that I could and we pulled out a victory,” Lewis said.
Corbin earned its spot in the state competition by defeating Whitley County in the district tournament and Harlan County in the 13th Region competition in May.
This marks the fifth year Corbin High School has fielded a team in the Junior Chef Competition and the fourth time the Redhounds have reached the state competition
“I give them all the credit in the work. I told them at the beginning that if they are willing to put in the work, I am willing to show them everything they need to do to be successful,” Lester said. “A lot of work and practice has gone into it, but they have it down to a choreographed dance.”
