Metal Trades students at the Mount Morris Career and Technical Education Center put their custom-built grills and smokers to the test during the inaugural Smoker Challenge, the culmination of months spent designing, fabricating, welding and troubleshooting their projects.
Throughout the school year, students designed and built their own grills and smokers from raw steel. The competition gave them an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship while also putting their finished projects to use in a practical setting.
Students from the Culinary Arts program joined the event, helping competitors prepare ingredients and dishes before the live judging. The collaboration highlighted how different Career and Technical Education programs can work together while giving students valuable hands-on experience.
Judges evaluated each team in five categories: presentation, safe food handling practices, cook quality, creativity and innovation, and grill quality of construction and craftsmanship. Scores reflected everything from flavor and food safety to weld quality, structural integrity and overall grill design.
For Javen J. of York Central School District, the project was deeply personal. His smoker, named "Tac," was built in honor of his late father, whose nickname inspired the name.
Javen's interest in the trades began at a young age while growing up in Arizona, where he was influenced by his father's work in the industry. When he learned about the opportunity to attend BOCES, he knew it was something he wanted to pursue.
"I've always loved working with my hands," Javen said. "When I heard about the opportunity to come to BOCES, I wanted to do it."
Health challenges prevented Javen from enrolling in the Metal Trades program during his junior year. Determined not to miss the opportunity, he joined the program as a first-year senior and spent four to five months designing and building his smoker, transforming a heartfelt tribute into a project that showcased both his craftsmanship and perseverance.
Howard S., Wyatt N. and Brayden W.G. are 10th-grade students in the Career Assessment Program (CAP), which allows students to explore multiple career pathways before selecting a Career and Technical Education program. After spending time in several shops throughout the year, all three found themselves drawn to Metal Trades and have remained in the program for the remainder of the school year.
For Howard S. of Livonia Central School District, that decision came after exploring conservation, building trades, diesel and welding.
"My favorite part was having the freedom to come up with our own designs and figure out how to make them work," Howard said.
That creative freedom was evident throughout the competition, as each smoker reflected its builder's personality, ideas and craftsmanship. Students were encouraged to think creatively while ensuring their designs were functional, safe and practical.
Wyatt N. of Livonia Central School District said being one of the younger students in the shop has been a valuable learning experience. Working alongside upperclassmen has helped him build skills and confidence while tackling projects in the Metal Trades lab.
"It's kind of nice because the upperclassmen have more experience, so they can help you learn all the stuff," Wyatt said.
Brayden W.G. also enjoyed the opportunity to transform raw materials into a finished product. Through the project, he strengthened his welding and fabrication skills while experiencing the satisfaction of seeing an idea take shape from concept to completion.
Metal Trades instructor Jeff Swift said the challenge embodied the purpose of Career and Technical Education. Students were responsible for designing, building, troubleshooting and ultimately using their projects in a practical setting.
"What happens when you give students a challenge, some raw steel and a passion for barbecue?" Swift said. "You get an unforgettable, out-of-the-box learning experience that perfectly captures the heart of Career and Technical Education."
"This entire competition exemplifies a core tenet of my teaching philosophy," Swift said. "My goal isn't just to hand students information—it's to give them the tools, the trust, and the space to show us what they are truly capable of achieving."
The competition has already inspired the next generation of competitors. The custom trophy was created by Metal Trades student Lilian R. from Avon Central School District, who plans to compete in the Smoker Challenge as a senior next year. Ryan already has a family recipe in mind and is looking forward to designing and building a smoker of her own.
Team Tac, made up of Javen J. and Wyatt N., won the 2026 inaugural Smoker Challenge with a score of 143 points. Team Big Boy, made up of Howard S., Brayden W.G. and Dylan B., finished with 128 points. The contest is expected to grow annually, giving future Metal Trades students another opportunity to showcase their skills, creativity and craftsmanship.