Chester, CA 2/23/26 . . . The Almanor Foundation (TAF) welcomed a competitive team from the Indian Valley Academy (IVA) Culinary Arts program to the annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off held on Valentine’s Day at Chester Park, adding youthful enthusiasm to the community fundraising event.
The students’ participation aligns with TAF’s 2026 initiative to support and work with Career Technical Education (CTE) programs throughout Plumas County. The Cook-Off provided a unique opportunity for students to apply their culinary instruction in a real-world setting beyond the academy’s hands-on campus training.
Under the direction of Veronica Tilton, a self-proclaimed foodie and Culinary Arts Program Director, and Ryan Schramel, Site Director for the academy, the students were able to experience a different facet of the food industry and the importance of volunteerism by supporting a fundraiser for TAF.
“Anytime we can give students real-life experiences, it enhances their education,” said Tilton. “By having access to events such as the Cook-Off, students gain a more well-rounded view of the culinary world, which helps them determine if it is a direction they want to pursue as they move forward.”
Representing the academy were Zachary Smith, an 11th-grade, second-year student in the program, along with first-year students Alexis Winter, Jewel VanAcker, and Gwen Graham, all 10th graders. The team served tastings of a traditional beef and bean chili, prepared in the academy kitchen. In addition to showcasing their culinary skills, the students stepped up as TAF’s mascot, Mr. Chili greeting guests, engaging with vendors, and hamming it up for photo ops.
“We enjoyed having the students join the event and making the Cook-Off part of their education,” said Lisa Kelly, TAF board member and liaison for the CTE program. “In a world of texting and nonverbal communication, being in a public forum and addressing people directly is a critical skill — one that is just as important when pursuing any career path.”
TAF extends its appreciation to the Indian Valley Academy (IVA) students and faculty for contributing their time, talent, and enthusiasm to the Cook-Off. Looking ahead, the Foundation encourages the IVA students to challenge the other Plumas County culinary programs to a friendly competition at next year’s event.
For more information about The Almanor Foundation and its support of Career Technical Education initiatives, please contact [email protected]
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Contact: Katherine E. Sansone; SANSONE+ PR
510.418.2466; [email protected]
