Acadia Thomas of Selma won second place in the Senior South division of the Alabama Junior and Senior High School Beef Cook-Off held Saturday, April 6 at Carver High School in Montgomery.

Thomas is a student at Selma High School and placed with her dish, “Philling” Philly Cheesesteak.

Over 30 Family and Consumers Sciences (FACS) students ranging from junior to senior high school gathered in the Capital City to present their dish to a panel of judges at the Alabama Beef Checkoff- sponsored event.

To earn their spot at the state competition, the students contended and won at countywide competitions hosted by local Cattlemen and CattleWomen chapters.

The dishes are judged on flavor intensity, healthfulness and nutritive balance, palatability and

presentation. Throughout judging at the event, students participated in educational classes with Chef Loren Lunde of Trenholm State Community College and Registered Dietician Elesha Ergle to learn more about the nutrition and proper preparation and handling of beef.

For more information on the event, contact Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Education and Outreach Ali Cantrell at acantrell@bamabeef.org or by calling (334) 265-1867.