Young chefs put their cooking skills to the test Thursday in Mount Vernon.

It was for the “Chef-Off” finale at the Doles Center. Local high school students were able to participate in the Culinary Explorers Academy this summer. The winners were Team Scotch Bonnett. They learned the fundamentals of cooking, nutrition and culinary creativity.

"From where we started to where we're at, I am so intrigued to see what they're going to perform," says Sade Ritter, Director of Nutrition Program for City of Mount Vernon and Lead Chef for the Academy. "I'm so proud of them." Students also got to learn some new recipes, cooking techniques and healthy eating habits. The event was hosted by the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and the Mount Vernon Recreation Department.