Wetzel County Technical Education Center Named 2025 Culineering Challenge Grand Champion
Wheeling, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) congratulates the Drive and Dine Coyotes from Wetzel County Technical Education Center as the 2025 Culineering Challenge grand champion. Judges made the announcement as the fourth annual competition concluded today at Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling. The Culinary Caddies from Wheeling Park High School (Ohio County) won second place, and the MCTEC Culineers from the Mercer County Technical Education Center (Mercer County) earned third place.
The Eggcellent Engineers from John Marshall High School in Marshall County received awards for best video, social media campaign and Macy Spirit award for showcasing camaraderie, respect for competitors and being the most positive team in the competition. This award was named after Spring Valley High School Graduate Macy Smith who demonstrated these qualities during the 2024 Culineering Challenge. The Marion Baker Bots from Marion County Technical Center won the Best Golf Club award chosen by popular vote.
The Culineering Challenge is based on the Netflix® original series, Baking Impossible. Several cast members from the show, including Baking Impossible Champion Sara Schonour, returned to the Mountain State for a second year to mentor and support the students.
The Challenge tasked each team with creating an original putt-putt golf course hole themed after one of the nine tourist regions within the state. Each design incorporated moving parts and edible components infused with a tea flavor (selected at random). Additionally, each team presented a custom-made putter to reflect their course’s theme.
Nine teams, comprised of six members, competed in the Challenge, representing CTE centers from across the state. Students showcased their skills in culinary, mathematics, engineering and social media marketing. Team members fulfilled one of the following roles:
- Culinary: Two students from ProStart or baking and pastry programs were responsible for designing and creating the edible parts of the golf course.
- Engineering: Two engineering students from an engineering, computer science or robotics program were responsible for the mechanical components of the course.
- Social Media Marketing: One student from any CTE program was responsible for promoting efforts through earned and owned media on the team's social media channels. This included providing live updates during the competition.
- Builder: One student from any CTE program was responsible for aiding in the construction of the course.
Participating teams included:
| School Name | Team Name | County | Facebook Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doddridge County High School | Par-Tee Putters | Doddridge | Par-tee Putters |
| Fayette Institute of Technology | If the Masters Jacket FITs | Fayette | If the Masters Jacket FITs |
| Huntington High School/Huntington East Middle School | Bogey Bears | Cabell | Huntington High ProStart |
| John Marshall High School | Eggcellent Engineers | Marshall | The Eggcellent Engineers |
| Marion County Technical Center | Marion Baker Bots | Marion | Marion County Tech Center |
| Mercer County Technical Education Center | MCTEC Culineers | Mercer | MCTEC Culineering |
| Spring Valley High School | Tiered and Geared | Wayne | Tiered and Geared |
| Wetzel County Technical Education Center | Drive and Dine Coyotes | Wetzel | Wetzel County Technical Education Center |
| Wheeling Park High School | Culinary Caddies | Ohio | The Culinary Caddies |
"I am still in awe of the expertise, passion and skill these West Virginia students have shown throughout the process. It has left an impression on me and my fellow cast members, and we are committed to continue to support this important program,” Shonour said. “As I travel the country, I am eager to spread the word about this experience, because this is what learning is all about. This is one of the most unique learning projects I have seen, and I commend the West Virginia Department of Education for providing students with hands-on opportunities that they will remember for a lifetime."
"The 2025 Culineering Challenge provided the type of learning environment that showcases students' abilities, talents and professionalism,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “They worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition and persevered through the challenges they encountered until they completed their projects. Although it seemed that their tasks were impossible, they were not deterred as they rose to and surpassed expectations. I am so proud of our coaches, our students and staff at the WVDE for this incredible event.”
The Culineering Challenge grand champion team received a $5,000 classroom grant, a team trophy, and $200 to each team member courtesy of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association Education Foundation. The second-place team received a $3,000 classroom grant and a custom-engraved cutting board. The third-place team received a $2,000 classroom grant and a custom-engraved cutting board.
The WVDE appreciates Baking Impossible stars Vanessa Barcelo, Edwin Chiu, Stephen Day, Menuka Gamage, Rodolfo Goncalves, Randi Leese, Cindy Ngar, Sara Schonour, Jacob Swiezy, Hannah Walden and Shanice White for their time, expertise and encouragement.
View event photos in the WVDE Flickr Album, and a recording of the stream is available on the WVDE Facebook page.