WV Dept. of Ed Announces 2025 Culineering Challenge Student Teams
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) is pleased to announce the nine CTE teams competing in the fourth annual Culineering Challenge. The teams will compete on October 23, 2025, at Oglebay Park Resort in Wheeling, to earn the title of 2025 Culineering Champion.
This year’s theme is “Tea Time” and requires each team to construct playable, culinary-inspired mini-golf courses based on one of West Virginia’s nine tourism regions. Students will design their golf course by incorporating some edible components in a meaningful and visible way that feature a tea flavor (decided at random). The design must also include at least one interactive or moving feature. Additionally, the team must create a custom golf club to match their course.
Teams include:
| School Name | Team Name | County |
|---|---|---|
| Doddridge County High School | Par-Tee Putters | Doddridge |
| Fayette Institute of Technology | If the Masters Jacket FITs | Fayette |
| Huntington High School/Huntington East Middle School | Bogey Bears | Cabell |
| John Marshall High School | Eggcellent Engineers | Marshall |
| Marion County Technical Center | Marion Baker Bots | Marion |
| Mercer County Technical Education Center | MCTEC Culineers | Mercer |
| Spring Valley High School | Tiered and Geared | Wayne |
| Wetzel County Technical Education Center | Drive and Dine Coyotes | Wetzel |
| Wheeling Park High School | Culinary Caddies | Ohio |
Modeled after the Netflix® original series, Baking Impossible, the Culineering Challenge provides each team with a dynamic, collaborative experience that combines food, engineering and state pride. New to the competition this year is the addition of a sixth team member—the builder.
Teams consist of six students with the following roles:
- Culinary: Two students from ProStart or baking and pastry programs are responsible for designing and creating the edible parts of the golf course.
- Engineering: Two engineering students from an engineering, computer science or robotics program are responsible for the mechanical components of the course.
- Social Media Marketing: One student from any CTE program is responsible for promoting efforts through earned and owned media on the team's social media channel. This includes providing live updates for their respective audience during the competition.
- Builder: One student from any CTE program is responsible for aiding in the construction of the course.
Baking Impossible Winner Sara Schonour and her teammate, Rodolfo Goncalves, will return this year and serve as judges. Their fellow cast members will be onsite to mentor and offer professional support for students as they prepare for the competition. Throughout the experience, students spend time talking to the show stars about their careers, their passions and their pathways to success.
"The Culineering Challenge is the perfect example of a unique and rigorous learning experience that will have an unforgettable impact on each of these students," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "The recognition from nationally renowned industry professionals is a testament to what is occurring every day in our CTE classrooms. I'm grateful for the tireless dedication of those who bring this event to fruition every year."
The Culineering Challenge grand champion team will receive a $5,000 classroom grant, a team trophy, and $200 to each team member courtesy of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association Educational Foundation. The second-place team will receive a $3,000 classroom grant and a custom-engraved cutting board. The third-place team will receive a $2,000 classroom grant and a custom-engraved cutting board. Certificates will also be awarded to the teams with the best video and best social media campaign. The team with the best golf club, chosen by the audience, will receive a trophy.
Visit the WVDE Facebook page for team profiles leading up to the event and learn more about the Culineering Challenge.