Culinary Showdown: D21’s Future Chefs Bring the Heat!

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Written By North Wasco County School District 21

From North Wasco County SD 21:
By Stephanie Bowen

The Dalles, Ore., March 19, 2026 — Move over, Gordon Ramsay! Students from D21 elementary schools transformed the kitchen into a high-stakes arena yesterday, March 18, to battle for the legendary title of Top Chef.

The Future Chefs Challenge is a decade-long tradition powered by Sodexo, our district’s nutrition partners. Their mission is simple: get kids excited about healthy eats and master the art of the kitchen through a little bit of tasty competition!

Superintendent Bernal, who served as one of the event’s judges, captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “It’s never too early to start teaching students how to make healthy food choices, master basic cooking skills, and engage in a little friendly competition!”

The heat started rising earlier this year when 3rd through 5th graders submitted their secret recipes, showcasing flavors from around the world.

Our star finalists included:

  • Theo Jones

  • Giovanni Flores Villa

  • Nadia Mondragon

  • Oliviana Wolf

These young chefs teamed up with the district’s Nutrition Team at The Dalles Middle School kitchen. With the pantry stocked and the clock ticking, they had just two hours to chop, sauté, and plate their masterpieces before the judges took their first bites.

When the flour settled, Oliviana Wolf stood victorious! Her incredible Tamale Pie stole the show and earned her the crown.

Oliviana is now officially headed to the regional round to face off against other contest winners from across the nation. We’ll be waiting by the oven in May to see if she is named the National ‘Top Chef’ Champion!

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North Wasco County School District 21

Educate. Motivate. Graduate.

Mission Statement 

“Graduating all students to be college and career ready; challenging, inspiring, and empowering

them to be healthy and productive citizens.”

Vision Statement

“North Wasco is a premier school district. We provide students a rigorous

and relevant education with schools performing academically in the top 5%

of the nation. Our students are inspired by a talented, innovative, and highly

effective staff that values continuous professional growth. Our district graduates

citizens who are ethical and motivated to achieve their limitless potential.

North Wasco is fully embraced by the community, reflecting its health and well being.”

Board & District Goals

1. Provide a safe and healthy educational environment.

2. Provide curriculum choices that challenge every student.

3. Increase academic achievement district-wide with special emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics gains for each student.

4. Provide involvement strategies that engage all parents. 5. Encourage effective community partnerships.

https://www.nwasco.k12.or.us/northwasco