By Teri McKenzie
Guest Contributor

Chili, chili and more chili; spicy, hot, mild, no matter what the temperature, all entries were yummy during the PTA chili cook-off on March 11 at the Smithson Valley Middle School.

Teachers, students, staff, parents, local business owners, and coaches participated in the event.

Judging was done by Superintendent Marc Walker, as well as SVMS students and other special guests. It was difficult judging, and judges had to make sure they tasted the chili several times. But after several glasses of water, SVMS Principal Link Fuller announced the winners.  

The first-place winner was Marcia Hill, staff member at the middle school, who received a skillet for her prize.

Other winners were Smithson Valley High School Principal Chris Trotter, Tammy Smith, and Chris Smith, Smithson Valley High School Associate Principal.

There was also  a silent auction, raffle, and live auction as part of the fundraiser. Fuller was the special auctioneer for the live auction.

The PTA served baked potatoes and hotdogs, and loaded them up with chili from the chili cook-off.

More than $3,700 was raised and will all be donated to the teacher’s discretionary fund to purchase items for classrooms.