2008 Best Teen Chef Competition Winner: Martha Wilcox

Martha Wilcox (center) pictured with Judges and alumni Abbey Lewellyn (Sous Chef) and Devin Corbett (Executive Chef), Valentino’s Seafood (Top 10 new restaurants 2007), and Executive Chef George Christie from Christie’s.

Like most teenagers today, Martha Wilcox, a senior from Legacy Christian Academy in Beaumont, TX, had many dreams about her future. She thought about becoming a Broadway actress or a doctor working in a third-world country. But there was one dream that finally won out in the end, and that was to become a chef.

“Food became more than just food for me,” said Wilcox.

She found that she was in the kitchen more. The Food Network was on the top of her most-watched list. She started experimenting more in the kitchen and began making up her own recipes. And when her mother stated rather matter-of-factly one day, “Well, why don’t you take a business class and a cooking class and open up your own restaurant?” It became a revelation.

Wilcox is excited to enter The Art Institute of Houston to embark upon her culinary career. “Like a puzzle piece snapping into place,” she remarked, “The Art Institute of Houston feels right. My passion for cooking has only intensified after winning the title of Best Teen Chef here in Houston.”

Silver medalist, winning a $3,000 scholarship: Alexandra Ankney from Cy-Fair High School, Cypress, TX.

Bronze medalist, winning a $1,500 scholarship – Felipe Riccio from Elkins High School, Missouri City, TX.