Calling all high school chefs.

This message was delivered to inboxes not from a student, not from a teacher, but from the district itself. They were searching for the most innovative burger creations, introducing what would become known as the Ultimate Burger and Sandwich Competition.

Sponsored by Ford’s Garage, the challenge drew over 100 original recipes from across the district. From each high school, two winners were selected, earning the opportunity to advance and compete head-to-head at Ford’s Garage on April 14th.

Only a select few rose to the top.

Those finalists were then invited to a live cooking competition hosted at HSE High School, where they prepared their dishes in real time under pressure. Judged by a panel of district executives, the event demanded not only technical skill, but creativity, precision, and the ability to perform.

On March 18th, among the selected winners one from Fishers High School and one from HSE High School freshman Beckett Schetzsle is HSE’s champion. Him and his winning creation: the Bacon, Onion, and Jalapeño Smash Burger.

Schetzsle’s inspiration was deeply personal. He explained that he was “inspired mostly by his mom… to make her proud and show her that her teaching has paid off.” Drawing from flavors he had enjoyed over the years, he combined ingredients he loved “onions and bacon,” along with “jalapeños to add a spicy kick” to craft a burger that balanced richness with heat. In order to perfect it, he noted that he “tested the burger many times… to find the right combo.”

Beyond the recipe itself, the competition provided a new level of experience. Schetzsle reflected that it “helped me grow by showing me intense pressure and what it’s like to be in a kitchen competitively.” Through that experience, he learned that success requires staying “calm and collected,” while also recognizing the importance of collaboration and not being “afraid to ask questions.”

Looking ahead, Schetzsle is eager to share his work with others, saying he is “most excited to show people my cooking as something I’m proud of.” While he hopes to secure the win, he emphasized that the opportunity itself carries deeper meaning, as it marks “his first real competition.”