National Cooking Champion and Aspiring Marine Biologist at Washington Virtual Academies

At just 15 years old, culinary enthusiast and Washington Virtual Academy student, Nadia, took home first place in the 2024-25 National K12 Cook-Off competition, judged by none other than Chef David Ho, winner of the Food Network’s Chopped. This Vancouver-area teen’s victory is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and incredible talent in the kitchen.

The competition was no small feat. Out of 300 submissions from students in grades 6-12 across the country, only six finalists made it to the final round in Arlington, Virginia. Nadia’s dish was selected to compete for the top prize, where professional chefs reviewed entries based on taste, presentation, creativity, timeliness, and food safety. Nadia’s culinary skills and passion for healthy cooking earned her a first-place finish and a $1,000 prize, which she plans to use toward her college education in Hawaii, where she intends to pursue Marine Biology.

Nadia’s recipe was a delicious salmon and veggie dish that was beautifully plated. When asked what inspired her dish, Nadia said, “I chose to make this dish because of all the health benefits. The coconut that is on top of the salmon helps your brain health. The mashed potatoes help keep your heart healthy; the kale supports your immune system and your eye health as well as keep cancer away. The sprouts are an antioxidant, the salmon helps with brain health, and tomatoes reduce inflammation. So, I chose this dish because of its amazing look alongside its great health benefits.”

When asked about her decision to enter the competition, Nadia shared, “I thought it would be fun and challenging… I always want to be able to provide healthy and nutritious meals for myself when I graduate, rather than eating out.”

Her inspiration is shown not only through her cooking but also in how she goes after her academic and extracurricular achievements, as she is always looking for a new challenge.

Nadia’s journey with Washington Virtual Academy has been transformative. After struggling with B’s and C’s at a brick-and-mortar school, she switched to online learning and began to thrive. Nadia now consistently earns all A’s, with her most significant accomplishment being her success in Math, a subject that once challenged her.

“I can go on my own pace… I can go back to the lessons if I am not understanding something,” she explained.

The ability to tailor her learning experience has allowed Nadia to dive deeper into her love for marine biology and equestrian care, alongside her culinary interests. She currently volunteers to care for eight horses which allows her to combine her love for horses with the ability to give back to her community.

While Nadia plans to pursue a career in Marine Biology, her love for cooking remains an important part of her life. Whether experimenting with new recipes or learning about nutrition, cooking allows Nadia to stay healthy and creative. With her victory in the National K12 Cook-Off, she’s proven that she can excel in more than just academics.

Nadia’s journey is a reminder of the power of personalized learning and the incredible potential of students who are encouraged to explore their passions. We can’t wait to see where her skills in the kitchen and her love for marine biology take her next!

Want to try out one of Nadia’s dishes? Check out this Lemon Bar Recipe she loves to make:

Lemon Bars

Crust:

1 cup Butter (melted)

2 cups Flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

With fork, press crust into a square pan (9”x13” pan works). Bake for 20 mins at 350 degrees. While crust cooks, work on the filling.

Filling:

4 Eggs Beaten Well

4Tbsp Lemon Juice (be a little generous)

Grated lemon rind (one lemon)

2 cups Sugar (granulated)

4 Tbsp Flour

1 tsp baking powder

Beat eggs and mix with other ingredients. Spread filling on hot crust and bake for 25 mins at 350 degrees. Once done cooking, allow to cool a little and place in fridge for about 2 hours. Then sift powdered sugar on top and enjoy!

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