Rocklin High students were feeling the heat at this year’s Rocklin Hot Chili Cool Cars event. Mrs. Taudine Andrew and twelve Culinary II students braved the 95° heat to make 10 gallons of chili for the event.

The day started at 5 AM, when students arrived to set up the chili booth at the event. None of the preparations could be completed beforehand, as mandated by Rocklin health codes. At 6:30 AM, the booth was approved by the health inspector and students were ready to frantically produce and deliver delicious green chili.

Culinary chose to tackle a pork chili verde, a unique but complex, labor-intensive choice. The RHS chili was nominated at the event for the people’s choice and most unique chili awards, losing by a small margin.

In addition to making delicious chili, the students interacted with attendants, advertised the upcoming Handmade Rocklin event (handmaderocklin.com), and managed the booth.

Tyler Corey, a 10th grade student-chef working the booth, claims that the “booth was crammed with other people,” impeding their ability to work effectively.

Compounding the problem, working over an open flame, inside a small tent, with scorching California heat made for an uncomfortable afternoon. “It was crazy hot,” claims Mrs. Andrew.

But, ultimately, the students enjoyed working the event.

“Everyone was really nice and welcoming,” reflects Megan Pimento, a junior.

“It was a fun time to connect with the Rocklin community and showcase the quality of RHS culinary and hospitality,” affirms Mrs. Andrew.

Moving forward, Mrs. Andrew doesn’t see RHS Culinary students working the event due to a lack of sufficient funds. This year, the Culinary team received a $150 sponsor from Thunder Valley Casino, but that still didn’t cover all the expenses.

Culinary students weren’t the only RHS representatives at the event. Just as attendants were enjoying their pork chili verde, Grace Shows, a sophomore, was taking the stage with the McLaughlin Dance Team.

“I performed ‘What I Like About You’ as a dance number with one other girl at my dance team.”

Her performance was not without challenges. “We only had three weeks to prepare the number, and we even missed our last rehearsal… Memorizing was the hardest thing.”

But, ultimately, this was the McLaughlin Dance Team’s first public performance. When push came to shove, both Grace and her partner pulled through. “It was rewarding to figure out that we could [perform under pressure].”

Whether it was cooking chili or dancing onstage, RHS students braved the heat and made an impact at this year’s Hot Chili Cool Cars event.