Essay contest held to inspire students

WOODLAND — As a way to make up for events lost due to the pandemic, Woodland Public Schools’ food service employees Cristina Forgey and Anna Moran, both cooks at Columbia Elementary School, developed an educational competition for elementary students. “We wanted to inspire our students, so we asked them to write an essay explaining why they want to become a master chef,” Forgey said in a news release. “We had 16 students participate which was awesome, however, even more wanted to and didn’t get their essays in by the deadline so we’re hoping to have even more next year.” Students who wrote in received a special gift basket including a cooking spoon, healthy snacks, and a participation certificate.