From Sonny's BBQ
In Summary:
Wekiva High School was at the heart of the action on November 8 as it hosted Sonny’s BBQ’s 2nd Annual Jr. Pitmaster Class and BBQ Competition, transforming the campus into a live-fire classroom for young culinary talent. Five high school teams participated in the day-long event, including Wekiva’s own culinary students, who trained alongside professional pitmasters in sessions on sauces, regional barbecue styles, and rib trimming before competing in a timed cook-off. Led by mentor pitmaster Melvin Dankins, Wekiva High earned an impressive second-place finish, just behind back-to-back champions Frostproof High and ahead of Mount Dora High, Robinson High, and University High. Under the guidance of Head Pitmaster Shannon Snell and six of Sonny’s top pitmasters, students learned everything from wood selection to the finer points of rubs and rib presentation. The packed, high-energy event not only showcased Wekiva’s hospitality and talent but also underscored Sonny’s ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of pitmasters and preserving authentic Southern barbecue traditions.
Photo from Sonny's BBQ
Sonny’s BBQ recently turned up the heat with its 2nd Annual Jr. Pitmaster Class and BBQ Competition, uniting high school students from all over Florida for a day filled with mentorship, delicious barbecue, and signature Southern spirit.
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Held at Wekiva High School on November 8, the event brought together five high school culinary teams for an immersive workshop and friendly cook-off led by Head Pitmaster Shannon Snell alongside six of Sonny’s top pitmasters.
Each team was paired with a mentor pitmaster for one-on-one guidance, learning every step of the craft, from choosing wood and learning about the many different types of smokers to perfecting sauces, rubs, and ribs. The class featured sessions such as “Sauces from Around the World,” “Cuts of Meat & Trimming Ribs,” and “Regions of BBQ,” before culminating in a live cook-off and judging session.
This year's winners include:
- 1st Place: Frostproof High School (back-to-back champs!) — Mentored by Clay Murphy
- 2nd Place: Wekiva High School — Mentored by Melvin Dankins
- 3rd Place: Mount Dora High School — Mentored by Brad Jacobs and Brittney Lain
- Also competing: Robinson High School (Mentored by Scott Frantz) and University High School (Mentored by Brian Anderson)
The event saw an incredible turnout and enthusiasm, reinforcing Sonny’s BBQ’s ongoing mission to nurture young culinary talent and preserve the tradition of authentic Southern barbecue.
Key Points
- Wekiva as host and contender – Wekiva High School hosted the 2nd Annual Sonny’s Jr. Pitmaster Class and Competition, welcoming five high school culinary teams while its own students earned a strong second-place finish.
- Hands-on mentorship from Sonny’s pitmasters – Students, including the Wekiva team mentored by pitmaster Melvin Dankins, received one-on-one instruction in fire management, meat cuts, rib trimming, sauces, rubs, and regional barbecue styles from Head Pitmaster Shannon Snell and six of Sonny’s top pitmasters.
- Celebrating young culinary talent – With Frostproof High repeating as champions and Mount Dora High taking third, the friendly but intense cook-off highlighted the skill and potential of local culinary programs while advancing Sonny’s mission to support youth and keep authentic Southern barbecue culture alive.
Editor's note: This article was updated for clarity on November 13, 2025 at 8:18pm.
