Faculty hosts annual chili cook-off

Edy Hobson and Meg Gallagher

November 4, 2025

Carrie Murray tries chili provided by PTSO, parents, and teachers (Photo by Beth Brubaker).

As autumn rolls around, the faculty prepares for one of the most notorious staff events of the year: the chili cook-off.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, faculty and parent volunteers came together to taste test chili and share their favorite recipes. This fun event has been bringing faculty together for five years now. Originally starting from the president of the PTSO, the cook-off has become a fan-favorite event within the faculty.

“About 5 years ago the president of the PTSO came up with the idea and we sent out a sign up genius and we’ve done it every year since. It’s the fourth one I’ve been in charge of,” PTSO member Laura Robinson said.

This tradition has continued to be something that teachers look forward to throughout the day, boosting morale and attitudes.

“I love stuff like this. It gets me out of my room and gives me a chance to see people from different parts of the building and it’s always a nice change of pace,” History teacher Kelly Booth said.

The staff works extremely hard and it is easy to get caught up in their jobs. It’s important to have time to bond with fellow staff and work together as a team.

“I think it’s something different and fun, and most people do enjoy cooking and being able to try each other’s stuff. I just think it’s one of those things we don’t really get to see each other that much beyond just the faculty meeting,” English teacher Angie Gintonio said.

This annual event has even given many teachers a reputation for their cooking skills.

“Mrs. Stewart always makes a mean chili, as far as eating goes we encourage everyone to come down,” Robinson said.

The cookoff would not be possible without the help of the PTSO and parent volunteers. Each year, they work to bring in a wonderful variety of chili for the staff to taste and enjoy.

“I think it’s really sweet that people take their time to donate. Just food and their time to do something like that, but it’s always fun to go down and hang out with other teachers and taste all the different chilies,” theater directorClaire LaNicca said.

The chili cookoff continues to be an important part of the school year, bringing staff and parent volunteers together for a fun tradition.

“Free food will always bring people together, especially when it’s delicious and there’s an element of competition involved,” Booth said.

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About the Contributors

Edy Hobson, Copy Editor

Edy Hobson is a sophomore at Highlands. She is going into her second year of publications and is a copy editor this year. She decided to join journalism in her freshman year because she loves to write. She loves to hang out with her friends. She plays varsity volleyball in the fall, and in the spring she plays club volleyball. Her inspiration for volleyball is Andi Jackson. She would like to continue with journalism in college.

Meg Gallagher, Social Media Editor

Meg Gallagher is a sophomore at Highlands High School. She is going into her second year of publications and she looks forward to gaining more opportunities within the program. Outside of school she is involved in a number of different clubs and she is also on the Highlands Varsity Wrestling team. She aims to keep people informed on the news inside and outside the school as well as improve her ability to keep people engaged within the Hilltopper.