Paso Robles High School senior Sky Dawsey earned second place at the Central Coast Chopped Classic, a regional culinary competition showcasing top student chefs from across San Luis Obispo County.
Competing under tight time constraints, Dawsey prepared a roasted butternut squash soup paired with panko-crusted chicken stuffed with roasted red peppers, spinach, and provolone. Contestants had just one hour to plan, cook, and plate a complete meal for judging, and while most teams worked in groups of three to five, Dawsey competed solo, completing every element on her own.
Her performance impressed judges with its technique, creativity, and composure under pressure, and stands as a testament to the strength of Paso Robles High School’s Culinary Arts Career Technical Education (CTE) program. Through CTE, students gain authentic, hands-on experience that blends technical skill with real-world problem-solving—preparing them to enter college or the workforce ready to succeed from day one.
Across PRJUSD, more than a dozen CTE pathways—from Agriculture and Health Science to Digital Media and Residential and Commercial Construction—equip students with industry-aligned training that builds both confidence and competence.
The Central Coast Chopped Classic, hosted at Arroyo Grande High School, challenges participants to demonstrate technique, creativity, and composure in a timed competition modeled after the popular television series, Chopped. Dawsey’s solo second-place finish marks a proud moment for the Bearcat culinary team and is a shining example of the opportunities CTE offers Paso Robles students.
📷: Photo credit: Ray Ambler