Monday, January 4 marked NC faculty’s annual chili cook-off. While Cobb County students enjoyed the first Monday of the month off, their teachers reported to NC for a day of work, with lunch provided by their coworkers in a chili competition. At the end of the tasting, attendees voted on the best chili, resulting in Engineering and Technology teacher Adam Cogbill earning a trophy for the second year in a row.

The competition featured seven different types of chili from teachers of english to social studies. Twists on the comfort food included bison and turkey bacon chili, spicy tex-mex chili, cajun chili, and brunswick stew.

While approximately 30 faculty members attended, including teachers and administration, the event’s organizers continue to look for more participants.

“We are thinking about expanding to soup and stews next year too, as maybe that will get more people involved,” organizer and science teacher Jennifer Johnson said.

Each teacher who attended the chili cook-off paid five dollars to taste. The money benefitted Relay for Life, a club run by science teacher Julie Hopp. Members of the club volunteered at the cook-off to set up, collect votes, and later clean up.

“The great part is the money goes to support a great club. All money raised by Relay for Life will go directly to the American Cancer Society,” Hopp said.

The annual chili cook-off also acts to improve the teacher work day. As they fall back into the regular schedule for the next semester, teachers can look forward to sponsoring a meaningful club while warming up with chili made by their peers.