Story by Stephanie Blair/Cold Springs High School
The warm aroma of sweet potatoes filled the air at the Cotton Creek Venue on Tuesday as students from schools across Cullman County gathered for the annual FCCLA All-County Sweet Potato Cook-Off. Sponsored by Farm City and hosted at Cotton Creek Venue, the event highlighted the creativity and culinary skills of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members from multiple local schools.
Participants competed in four delicious categories: Casseroles, Breads, Pies, and Desserts, each showcasing the versatility of one of Alabama’s favorite fall crops.
Winners in each category were as follows:
Sweet Potato Casseroles
1st – Katie Holmes, Vinemont
2nd – Kinsley Wright, Good Hope
3rd – Kaysen Bates, CATA
Sweet Potato Breads
1st – Raelynne Bradford, Hanceville
2nd – Tomorrow Simmons, West Point
3rd – Jacy Gutherie, West Point
Sweet Potato Desserts
1st – Emma Beavers, West Point
2nd – Lilley Warren, Holly Pond
3rd – Aby Black, Good Hope
Sweet Potato Pies
1st – Fuller Williams, Good Hope
2nd – Aubrey Butler, Vinemont
3rd – Evy Hayes, Cullman
FCCLA advisors representing their schools and supporting student competitors included:
Mrs. Stephanie Blair (Cold Springs High School), Mrs. Amie Veal (Cullman Area Career Center), Mrs. Carin Rains (Cullman High School), Mrs. Amanda Williams (Good Hope High School), Mrs. Amy Chambers (Hanceville High School), Mrs. Amelia Burke (Holly Pond High School), Ms. Renee Lee (West Point High School), Whitney Haynes (Fairview High School) and Ms. Madison Sapp (Vinemont High School).
The event celebrated not only culinary talent but also the FCCLA mission of leadership, skill-building, and community connection. Congratulations to all the participants and winners for making this year’s Sweet Potato Cook-Off a delicious success!