Local Ballyclare Secondary School student Stephen Matthews aged 12 years old has been announced as the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s Young Cook of the Year 2012.
After beating off competition from approximately 900 entrants, Stephen succeeded in outshining the other finalists’ competitors at the final cook off at Banbridge Academy.
The popular cookery competition, which is open to all key stage 3 and 4 classes and Special Education Schools across Northern Ireland, tasked pupils with planning a two course meal for four sporty friends to enjoy before watching their favourite event at the upcoming Olympic Games.
Stephen excelled in using locally sourced ingredients including dairy products such to create a high quality and nutritious meal.
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland said:
“We have been delighted to see the high standard of food produced by all our finalists this year to meet our brief centred on the much anticipated Olympic Games! Not only have the pupils shown a great flair and skill in their cooking ability, but they have also incorporated their knowledge of using fresh and local dairy products to create these nutritious meals which are so important for an active lifestyle. We would like to congratulate Stephen on his achievement”
Also announced at the final were the top students in each category. Tom O’Neill from Grosvenor Grammar School was the Key Stage 4 winner, Stephen Matthews was announced as the overall Key Stage 3 category winner and in the Special Education category the winner was Gaelmarie Milligan from Beechlawn School in Hillsborough.
The annual Dairy Council Young Cook of the Year competition was developed in consultation with the Education and Library Boards and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in Northern Ireland (CCEA). The competition supports the Home Economics curriculum at Key Stage 3 and CCEA GCSE Home Economics.
Pictured L to R: Dairy Council Vice Chairman Harry O’Neill, Stephen Matthews and Performance Nutritionist at the Irish Institute of Sport, Dr Sharon Madigan.