Mulhall-Orlando FFA Members Compete in Local Barbeque Sauce Contest

As the second semester of school started, M-O FFA teacher Tonya Middleton continued to challenge our chapter with exceptional learning experiences. On January 6th, a group of Freshman and Sophomore Mulhall-Orlando FFA Members participated in a Chapter BBQ Sauce contest. The contest was related to their studies on the history and safety of food science. At the conclusion of the segment, the members had to make their own unique BBQ Sauce applying what knowledge they had learned. As part of the challenge, they also had to design and fabricate their own label based on USDA standards and finally bottle their product. This practical application of scholastic knowledge is the foundation of FFA’s learning model.

The students had a great time exploring the history of BBQ. Member Casyn Larman said he found out “there is no wrong way to make BBQ Sauce.” He and Willie Schoonover were on a team and discovered among other things, that Mangham Edward Griffin invented barbeque sauce in 1931. Since then, there have been thousands of different recipes and everyone has their own favorite. All in all, 5 teams submitted their own exclusive varieties ranging from peach flavored to hot and spicy. After being taste tested the judge concluded that Callen Oldenburg, Jaci Wiss, and Codie McNeill were the winners of the Barbeque Competition. Instructor Tonya Middleton was very impressed by all of the students work ethic and ability to create their own barbeque sauce.