Local high school student wins prestigious Future Food Competition, earns full-tuition college scholarship

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Recent North Charleston High School graduate Gabrielle (Gabby) Smith has secured a full-tuition scholarship to Johnson & Wales University after winning the esteemed Future Food Competition earlier this spring. Gabby, who will start her studies this fall, captivated judges with her culinary skills and passion for sustainable cooking.

“Her great-grandmother used to babysit her, and she had Gabby cooking at three or four years old. It was something they did together to pass the time, and now it’s her passion,” shared Roberta Smith, Gabby’s mom.

The competition drew over 300 applicants nationwide, with Gabby emerging as a finalist. She traveled to the Johnson & Wales Providence Campus in Rhode Island with her mother Roberta and brother Robear for the contest.

Gabby, along with the other finalists, had two hours to recreate their contest recipes, under the watchful eyes of families and supporters via a broadcast feed. Judges evaluated each dish on taste, appearance, and the food system challenges it addressed, such as sustainability, food waste, or nutritional access.

“I chose to highlight food heritage and the Gullah Geechee community with my dish,” Gabby explained of her Sea Island pea succotash with Sea Island blackened grouper, fried mustard greens, and tomato gravy. “I want to help educate people on the cultural history behind the spices they purchase in grocery stores.”

Gabby’s dish stood out for its focus on sustainability, using food waste, including fish bones in the tomato gravy stock. She even brought her own spices to the competition to ensure full flavor. “When you blend together cayenne, paprika, coriander, celery, all these fragrant spices, it all comes together so well,” Gabby said.

Impressing the judges, Gabby was awarded first prize. She will pursue a degree in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship at the Johnson & Wales Charlotte Campus this fall. “I want to hone my technical skills and life skills,” she said. “But most importantly, I think I am excited to network. I hope one day to be a household name.”

Looking ahead, Gabby aspires to connect deeply with guests enjoying her food. “I want to see you enjoy what it means,” she stated.