Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools delivers taste, creativity, and friendly competition
May 1, 2026 / The heat was on — and the Henley Hornets delivered. 🔥🍽️
After a full day of high-pressure cooking, the Hornets claimed the KCSD Iron Chef trophy at the second annual Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools, held May 1 at Linman Hall at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
SEE ALL IRON CHEF PHOTOS HERE
Organized by Kekoa Ledgerwood, KCSD’s Farm to School educator and procurement specialist, the event brought together five student teams from Bonanza, Lost River, Mazama, Henley and the Klamath County Transition Program for a full-scale culinary showdown. Starting at 8 a.m., barbecue stations fired up outside as teams got to work crafting a complete menu: an appetizer featuring pork tenderloin, an entrée built around beef short ribs, plus two sides and a dessert — all made possible by generous meat donations from Diamond S Meats.
With the clock ticking, students showcased serious skill, creativity and teamwork.
Henley’s winning team — Candice Milwrick-Talamantes, Hailey Paschal, Alexis Bateman, Cayden Schweiger and Jasmin Ochoa — worked alongside mentor chef Shane Taipin of North Shore Hawaiian Plate Lunch and educator coach Megan Coppo to bring home the title.
Dishes were judged on taste, presentation and originality by a panel of local experts. Thank you to our judges — Sarah Kellom (AgWest Farm Credit), Josh Ledgerwood (Howard’s Meat Center), Kyle Anderson (Diamond S Meats), and Toni Kellom (retired educator and administrator).
Best of Show honors:
• Appetizer: Tie — Henley and Bonanza
• Entrée: Henley
• Side: Bonanza
• Dessert: Klamath County Transition Program
Final standings:
• 1st: Henley
• 2nd: Bonanza
• 3rd: Mazama
• 4th: Lost River
Teams sold special full dinner tickets for family and friends, and for the first time, the community was invited to join the action for an evening tasting event. Doors opened at 5:30 p.m., and guests enjoyed the student-created dishes before awards were announced at 6 p.m.
Teams from Bonanza, Lost River, Mazama and Henley competed across all categories, while the Klamath County Transition Program showcased their talents in the dessert round — and took home top honors in that category.
After the judging, family, friends, staff and community members gathered to share a meal, celebrate student success.
A special thank you to Diamond S Meats for donating the beef and pork that made the competition possible, and to the mentor chefs who guided students throughout the day: Ian Smith of RV Que Food Truck in Bonanza, Shane Taipin of North Shore Hawaiian Plate Lunch in Klamath Falls, Ty Kliewer of Skyline Brewery, and Heidi Gaither, former director of Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services.
Last year’s inaugural champion was Lost River. This year, Henley takes the crown.
Great food. Great competition. Even better teamwork. 👏
Meet the teams:
Bonanza Antlers — Ethan Schull, senior; Joseph Brown, senior; Lear Brown, freshman; and Cameron Trushell, senior. Educator coach is Bonanza ag teacher Marie Kinney.
Hawaiian Hornets (Henley High School) — Candice Milwrick-Talamantes, junior; Hailey Paschal, sophomore; Alexis Bateman, sophomore; Cayden Schweiger, senior; and Jasmin Ochoa, junior. Guest mentor chef is Shane Taipin of North Shore Hawaiian Plate Lunch in Klamath Falls. Educator coach is Henley ag teacher Meagan Coppo.
Klamath County Transition Program — Elle Paynter and Jessica Hernandez (dessert round). Guest mentor chef is Heidi Gaither, former baker and director of Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services. Educator coach is KCTP head teacher Alex Stork.
Lost River Raiders — Khieran Beeson-Garcia, sophomore; Charlotte Seus, eighth grade; Audrey Pryor, sophomore; JoVi Holmes, senior; Preston Staebler, senior; and Ford Holmes, freshman. Guest mentor chef is Ty Kliewer of Skyline Brewing. Educator coaches: Lost River ag teacher Meghan Miller and Jim Shanks, KCSD bus driver and retired Butte Valley ag teacher.
Mazama Vikings — Sophia Morelos-Grayson, freshman; Emme Rodriguez, junior; Karli Weller, junior; Grayson Hill, sophomore; and Sophie Chenault, senior. Educator coach is Mazama ag and foods teacher Myndy Holbrook.
Klamath County Transition Program — Elle Paynter and Jessica Hernandez (dessert round). Guest mentor chef is Heidi Gaither, former baker and director of Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services. Educator coach is KCTP head teacher Alex Stork.
