Competitors & Judges

The arts are essential to a rich and meaningful education, inviting critical thinking, self-expression, and personal growth while contributing to a community that respects the arts in all their manifestations. The culinary arts are no exception! We're very fortunate to have showcased some of Edmonton's finest Chefs, and we can't wait to continue collaborating with the best that Edmonton kitchens offer!

Whether you're a 3-star Michelin chef or have a secret family recipe, we want to hear from you! We welcome professional and amateur chefs who exemplify the spirit of Edmonton. Competitors who want to share their passion, food, and time to support an amazing cause. Sign up now to test your culinary skills!

Space is limited -- don't delay!

How do I sign up?

• — Register online using our 2025 Online Registration Form; OR
• — Fill out our 2025 Competitor Registration.doc and email it to highlandsparentsociety@gmail.com; OR
• — Email our Competitor Liaison at highlandsparentsociety@gmail.com.

Our 2025 Competitors

We're searching high and low for professional chefs and home bakers! These incredibly generous and talented chefs will be creating, donating and selling their yummy cookie creations, and then presenting them to our wonderful judges. Our panel of guest judges and Highlands School student judges will be on hand to award Judges' Choice, Kids' Choice, and Most Creative. The general public will cast their votes for the People's Choice award.

Please welcome:

• — Sugar Mamas - Chef Lyndsey Burgess & Chef Erica Box *Returning competitor
• — Backstairs Burger - Chef Levi Biddlecombe *Returning competitor
• — Crinkle Mingle - Sharifah Usman
• — The Old Red Barn - Chef Tyson Wright
• — Strada Coffee Company & Artisan Bakery - Chef Madison Huseby
• — Little Kitchen Academy - Chef Mary Eun
• — The Sugar Cottage - Nasrine Montasami
• — Confetti Sweets - Kathy Leskow
• — Theresa Yaremchuk *Returning competitor
• — NAIT, Culinary Arts - Michelle Hyunh *Returning competitor
• — Little Bird Baking - Abby Reimer *2024 Judges' Choice Winner
• — Mama Jo’s Kitchen - Joanne Landmark *Returning competitor
• — Highlands Alumni - Kit Anderson, Aiden Hammermiester & Rhyan Vercholuk *Returning competitors
• — Paperbirch by Chartrand - Chef Shane Chartrand *2022 Most Creative Winner
• — Dough Dadz - David Dickie, Keith Goertzen, & Jeremy Frentz *2024 People's Choice Winner

 

Stay tuned as we continue to enlist! That's right — your name could be here! Want to know more about our competitors? Visit the 2025 Chefs Gallery.

 

Our Emcee

Long time supporter of the Culinary Arts Cook-Off, Mark Connolly is the host of CBC Radio’s morning show in Edmonton, Edmonton A.M. He is also an Olympic commentator with CBC Sports, having recently broadcast the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Prior to hosting Edmonton A.M., Mark was the evening news anchor for CBC in Edmonton and CBC’s local radio/television sportscaster. He has hosted many awards shows, including the Alberta Film & Television Awards and the Ad Club of Edmonton Awards but is still waiting to win an award of his own. Our hearts award Mark Peoples Choice Winner for Best Cook-Off Host for his invaluable support since inception at Mount Royal School.

Our Auctioneer

Larry Romaniuk, professional auctioneer and long-time cook-off supporter, runs the live bidding on collaborative art projects created by Highlands students and staff. Watch him in action sharing the starting prices, chanting the changes and exciting the bidders to maximize bids. It's electric! So bid often and bid responsibly!

Our 2025 Judges

We're very happy to introduce the judging panel for this year's Cookie-off! Please join us in welcoming Johwanna 'Jojo' Alleyne (Owner of Mojo Jojo Pickles & food judge for the Edmonton Heritage Festival), Linda Hoang (content creator, social media influencer & social media strategist), Cindy Huynh (Cook with Chopsticks Blogger & Food Photographer), Phil Wilson a.k.a. Baconhound (food writer, radio columnist for CBC Edmonton, & head food judge for the Edmonton Heritage Festival), and Jon Timms (Photographer).