Fox Valley Technical College’s Culinary Arts students recently turned up the heat, not just in the kitchen, but in the community.  

On Saturday, May 31, students from the Grilling, Smoking & BBQ class wrapped up their semester with a flavorful final exam like no other, participating in the Southside Slider Showdown, a community event and fundraiser benefiting Children’s Wisconsin Hospital hosted each year by Kitz & Pfeil Ace Hardware in Appleton. 

The event was a lively, hands-on learning experience for the students, who formed teams to compete in the slider competition. Each group developed their own unique recipes, prepped ingredients, managed grills and served up amazing creations for attendees and judges.  

FVTC’s student teams impressed across the board, with standout flavors and strong teamwork. One group in particular, the Young Guns, earned first place and plenty of praise for their creativity and execution. 

Beyond the friendly competition, the day held a deeper purpose. Thanks to community support and participation, the event raised $5,500 for Children’s Wisconsin Hospital.  

The Slider Showdown wasn’t just a final exam, it was a celebration of learning, giving back and the power of food to bring people together. 

Congratulations to all of the FVTC culinary students for their hard work and creativity!