Anybody that has questions about the potential of our young people needs only to witness the demonstration of sheer tenacity, unparalleled focus and determination that was displayed at today’s competitions. I saw four-member teams construct fully operational rooms with working plumbing and electricity, complete with drywall, brick walls and wood siding. I was fixated by ‘kids’ racing from police cars with guns drawn in pursuit of ‘suspects.’ I watched a young lady produce scones, biscuits, muffins,...

After seven years of living this cook’s life as a teacher, I have come to recognize opportune moments that are indelible, both for my students as well as me. Three of the competitors needed kitchen space to prepare food for tomorrow’s demonstration. We were generously provided unfettered access to a kitchen in a location that will remain nameless for now. What we found was a glorious moment in time that would serve the students well to use as an opportunity to never repeat.

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The team's first glimpse of competition hall:


Busy, buzzy day! We fluttered, we flapped… we sweat. Over 100-degrees, for real! But, the vibe, the pulse is very much charged. I am, anyhow. I can’t help but stay firmly in the clenches of the enthusiasm that hangs like the sultry night air that hovers at this late hour. I like to be part of this rush; contest sponsors running around with arms wrapped around necessary...

Today was all about the journey. Two yellow school buses, a flight to St. Louis with a connection to Kansas City. A charter bus to the hotel. A rental car to pick up Schlotzky’s to round-up dinner. I have not been in once place long enough to figure out the time zone changes while simultaneously trying to get a schedule in place to help get students in the right place wearing the right gear at the right time. Not complaining, just trying to be the dependable counselor that is necessary to meet the...

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

As I have grown older, I like to think that I have grown wiser. In fact, I know I have grown more emotionally aware. When people move away, I feel...