Creating a positive and engaging environment for staff and students is a key part of Lansing School District's commitment to enhancing collaboration and community. This week, Lansing Elementary School embraced this spirit with their much-anticipated Chili Cook-Off event, celebrating camaraderie and culinary creativity among staff.
Seven staff members put their best recipes forward, competing for the chance to advance to the district-level competition. The event, organized by the school's secretaries, brought a deliciously spicy twist to the school day.
"A huge thank you to those that brought in chili for the cook-off competition!" said secretary Anna Broeker. And "thanks to our wonderful judges, Marty Kobza, Jeff Bollin, Sharon Burns, Brian Burns, Miles Azzeh, and Klinton Brown."
The variety of chilis presented gave the judges a flavorful challenge, but in the end, Shawna Morkel's "#7 A Little Bit...Tiny Bit of Spicy" claimed first place. Shawna will move on to the district-level competition at the Lansing District Office next month, where she will compete against winners from other buildings.
Additional winners from the elementary competition included:
2nd Place:
Carrie Portenier with "Geema's Chili"
3rd Place:
Jordan Diehl with "Game Day Chili"
This year's chili cook-off competitions have already taken place in the Transportation Department, Early Childhood Building, and Intermediate School. Lansing Middle School is scheduled to host their cook-off in February.
Events like these not only strengthen bonds among staff but also contribute to a thriving school culture—one bowl of chili at a time!
