Eighteen 4th-graders from Clover Park School District participated in the third annual Kids Can Cook Competition at the district's Auxiliary Services Center last week.

"These students have worked hard to create unique recipes that showcase their talents and skills," wrote Jayme Taylor, the communication manager for the district, in an e-mail. "Even though this was a competition, it was a pleasure to watch the students work together to make sure that each recipe was prepared correctly and on time."

The students and their recipes were selected from more than 150 entries from throughout the school district.

"I like to cook, and I want to cook," said Jayleen Starr, a student at Oakbrook Elementary, as he prepared a cheesy apple quesadilla. "The cheese, the apples, and the milk are all healthy too."

The competition began with the students receiving a basic food safety briefing and being assigned an adult to help them in the kitchen as they prepared their recipe.

As for their finished products, the students were responsible.

"I think I will do a pretty good job," commented Johnathan Dorminey, a student at Fort Lewis' Beachwood Elementary, as he looked over his recipe for peanut pitas. "Even though I am a bit nervous, this is also a lot of fun."

The contestants were judged in the following categories - health conscious foods, kid friendly preparation, fun foods, best table demonstration, and judges' choice.

All participants received a plaque, medal, T-shirt, apron, and chef's hat.

Hard at work to take home the top prize, Germaine Wiggins, who attends the post's Greenwood Elementary, poured rice, two kinds of cheese and a little sugar into a bowl to prepare her broccoli & cheese special.

"I like to make this dish," she said as Aryanna Paterson and Elizabeth Gomez helped out. "It's easy to make and a healthy dish for everyone to enjoy."

Besides Dorminey and Wiggins, Lois Childers (Evergreen Elementary), Alyssa Burke (Hillside Elementary), and Ashley Montano (Southgate Elementary) represented Fort Lewis.

Other students who participated in the competition were Chloe Miller, Trinity Passino, Taner Cooley, Derrick Kelly, Caeden Erdmann, C'Omunique Franklin, Deedee Rogers, Serenity Hayward, Dejanee Cox, and Mardre LaFave.

"The finished foods were fun and healthy and highlighted the diversity of our students," added Taylor.