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MARYLAND - Twenty-two high school students from across Maryland put their culinary skills to the test, as they competed for $600,000 in scholarships.

In one hour, 200 rising chefs and food service professionals had to complete an entire meal from scratch. Their meals were judged by 30 different people, including some certified master chefs.

"What they're doing is they have one hour to create an entrée and appetizer and a dessert. It's a team format," said Marshal Weston, Restaurant Association of Md. Education Foundation.

Whether is was chopping, pouring or grinding, every little task was under close watch. "The judges will judge them on taste, on food safety and sanitation, and a whole gamut of different food service criteria," said Weston.

The competition is pressure the students aren't used to in the classroom. "Here it's just a different environment with other people watching you, and it makes it more nerve wrecking," said student Kadijatu Kardvo.

Schools from all over the state of Maryland were represented in the fifth year of competition. The students, all part of a culinary arts or hospitality program, made every effort to make their dish stand out. "The top team is going to earn the right to represent Maryland at the National Prostart Invitational being held in San Diego, California in April," said Weston.

The top prize also includes scholarship money, giving the students an opportunity to pursue a career in the restaurant industry. The top three teams will share the $600,000 in scholarship money.

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