Roaring Fork Student Wins Colorado Culinary Competition

Evony Mejia's passion for cooking is evident in the way she talks about being in the kitchen. "I enjoy being in the kitchen because it's a place where I can be creative and try new things," she said. This passion, which she attributes to her family's influence - they all work in the restaurant industry - has driven her to excel in culinary competitions. As a senior at Roaring Fork High School, Mejia has already made a name for herself in the culinary world, and her latest win at the Colorado Restaurant Association ProStart Italico Charcuterie Board and Hors d'oeuvre Competition is a significant achievement that showcases her skills.

The competition, which took place in March, required Mejia to create a charcuterie board and one hors d'oeuvre featuring Gruyère cheese within a 45-minute time frame. The judges evaluated her dish based on presentation, variety, creativity, taste, and execution. Mejia's experience in the YouthEntity Culinary Academy, which she joined in 2024, has clearly paid off. As she puts it, "I wanted to learn more about cooking and improve my skills." Her hard work and dedication have earned her a first-place finish, and she will graduate from Roaring Fork High School as a three-time ProStart culinary competition champion.

Mejia's background in cooking is not limited to individual competitions. She was also part of the 2025 Colorado ProStart Championship culinary team, which won the state title and placed fifth at the national invitational in Baltimore. However, this latest win is significant because she competed alone, and still managed to come out on top. According to Eric Palmer, lead instructor at the academy where Mejia trained, "Evony approaches cooking with both discipline and imagination." Palmer's praise is well-deserved, given Mejia's ability to balance flavor, composition, and presentation in her dishes.

The question is whether Mejia's success in these competitions will translate to a career in the culinary industry. As she notes, "no matter where my future may take me, it will run through a kitchen." With her family's support and her own drive, it's likely that Mejia will continue to excel in the culinary world. Her experience has provided her with valuable feedback and opportunities to grow, and she has clearly taken advantage of these resources.

For locals, Mejia's win is a point of pride. It shows that students in the Roaring Fork School District have access to resources and training that can help them succeed in competitive fields like the culinary arts. As Mejia prepares to graduate and move on to the next stage of her career, it's clear that she will carry the lessons she learned in the kitchen with her. "It's relaxing to me, even when it gets busy, because I can just focus on what I'm creating," she said. This focus and dedication will serve her well, whether she chooses to pursue a career in the culinary industry or simply continues to cook for the joy of it.

As Mejia looks to the future, she is likely to face new challenges and opportunities, but her strong foundation in cooking will help her navigate them. With her passion, drive, and natural talent, Mejia is poised to make a lasting impact in the culinary world. As Palmer noted, "She continues to grow as a young chef and represents the future of our industry." With her family's support and her own determination, Mejia is ready to take on whatever challenges come her way. As she puts it, "I can always feel their support, which motivates me to keep growing even more."