The 2025 Chili Cook-Off is tonight! Brentwood NHS & NJHS are hosting the event from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in the Middle/High School Cafeteria and are hoping to make this year’s cook-off bigger and better than last year’s. Last year’s cook-off signaled the return of the much-loved event after it had been on hiatus for five years due to Covid-19 . Even after that long break, last year’s event was a hit with 21 chilies to sample; plus, NHS and NJHS were able to raise $900 for the Duo Dogs and the St. Louis Diaper Bank. This year, all the money made from the event will again go to charities chosen by NHS and NJHS students.
Here’s what you need to know for tonight’s event:
- 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
- A sample of all 23 chilies: $10
- A bowl of one chili: $5
- Water and lemonade are provided. Baked goods are available for purchase separately.
Something that is special about this competition is that the winner is always awarded the Golden Spoon, which has been a part of the cook-off tradition for years. Mr. Swearngin, the NHS supervisor, has been in charge of keeping the Golden Spoon for each year’s winner. He explained the history behind the spoon and its significance.
Participants from many past chili cook-offs still have their Golden Spoons to this day. Last year’s winners were Brentwood community member Kimberly Gearhart, senior Luca Bostick-Valero, and former student Arris Harris who graduated in 2024.
There are many helpful members of our school to help set up everything for the event. Including Middle School Counselor Mrs. Bosche. She always helps run NJHS. “The chili cook-off is a great opportunity for middle school students to be able to collaborate with the high school student on a project, for the community,” she said. “There is a lot of participation with chili donations and helping with finding volunteers and spreading the word to the public.”
Events like these not only bring friendly competition but also bring the community together. So, if you don’t have dinner plans, come down to enjoy some delicious chili, and be sure to take part in a surprise raffle! Also, after you get your chili, be sure to stop by to watch the Girl’s and Boy’s basketball teams take on the Hancock Tigers.
