April 30, 2025 11:10 a.m.  

Melrose Elementary School fifth-grader Cole Stark was recently named West Region winner for Future Chef 2025.

A Roseburg Public Schools release said the competition is a program put on by the district’s nutrition services provider, Sodexo. Stark is one of five students selected from thousands across two countries and 30 states. The next step is competing for the title of National Champion and a visit from Chef Daniela Sato-Innes.

Voting is open May 1st through May 9th at: https://futurechefschallenge.com

This is the 15th anniversary of the Future Chefs National Challenge. Stark has advanced to this point with his Asian Meatloaf with Lime Cilantro Rice and Cilantro Lime Crema.

Cole Stark and RPS Sodexo manager Loran Perry will be on the Morning Conversation Monday at 8:30 a.m. on News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN to talk more about this local student being in the national competition.