originally published: 01/14/2025
(NEWARK, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- Following a spectacular premiere event on January 13, 2025, Newark Public Schools and Newark Vocational High School (NVHS) released the first episode of their new reality series, Newark Chops.
On Newark Chops, three teams of student chefs face off in competitive challenges to create dishes using specific ingredients in a limited time. The winning team will be awarded a prize worth more than $10,000.
After the first episode was screened at the premiere, Superintendent León remarked about how special it was to see the student chefs watch the first episode at last night's screening – hearing them applauding each other, laughing when somebody said something funny, and getting emotional about what they saw.
"These are nine incredible students here at Newark Vocational High School," said Superintendent León.
Remaining episodes include (Episode 2) on Monday, January 27 and (Episode 3) on Monday, February 10. The three-episode series can be watched here.
In each of the episodes, the student chefs are evaluated by the following chef judges:
* Chef Kai Campbell, owner of The Yard restaurant in Newark, Facebook @Kai Campbell
* Chef Shaquay Peacock, a private chef and recipe developer, Facebook @ChefShaquay
* Chef Jesse Jones, a private chef and author of POW! My Life In 40 Feasts, Facebook @Chef Jesse Concepts, LLC
Chef John Calache, who teaches at NVHS' Culinary Arts Academy, guides the student chefs as they work to meet each episode's challenge. There are appearances by NVHS Principal Karisa Neis-Lopezand Superintendent León, who announces the winning student chefs in the final episode.
"This new reality series shows our students learning the true essence of teamwork," said Superintendent León, who led the Culinary Arts Academy's founding as part of the District's historic 10-year strategic plan. "They are pushed to use their creativity, and their success depends on how well they work together. Newark Chops showcases our outstanding students, our dedicated teaching chefs, and our world-class culinary education program. I encourage everyone who wants to see what we do in Newark Public Schools to watch the program."
"The Culinary Arts Academy is just one of the many Career Technical Education programs that make Newark Public Schools unique," said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. "All of us on the Newark Board of Education are immensely proud to see our students, staff, schools, and community highlighted in this innovative reality series, a testament to the dedication and excellence that define our district."
The District commissioned FEMWORKS, a Newark-based communications agency, to create the Newark Chops series.
"Newark Chops is more than a cooking competition—it's a testament to the creativity, resilience, and teamwork of Newark's students. At FEMWORKS, we are proud to amplify their voices through storytelling that showcases the brilliance within our schools and our city," said Kimberlee Williams, CEO of FEMWORKS. "In producing this series, we worked with local partners, including Cobblestone Multimedia and Newark Business Hub alumna LeRon Lee as director, to ensure this project truly reflects Newark's vibrant community and talent."
Newark Chops is the second reality series to be released by NewarkPublic Schools. In September, the District premiered Newark Fashion Forward, a reality series that featured three teams of student fashion designers.
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León's leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
FEMWORKS is a 20-year-old marketing company specializing in visual content creation, AI-driven marketing automation, and transformative business strategies. Now a key part of the Consciouspreneur.io ecosystem, FEMWORKS amplifies impact through innovation, collaboration, and storytelling that connects communities and drives sustainable business growth.
You can have your events spotlighted here, whenever someone reads an article about NEWARK
click here for more information
EVENT PREVIEWS
Morris Arts presents 18th Annual Great Conversations on April 29th
(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- Morris Arts presents the 18th Annual Great Conversations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 6:00pm-9:30pm at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. This one-of-a-kind gala supporting Morris Arts encourages guests to unplug, make meaningful face-to-face connections, and immerse themselves in the art of conversation.
U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Headline 2026 Stars on Ice Tour
(NEWARK, NJ) -- U.S. Figure Skating returns from Milan with one of the most decorated American teams in Winter Olympic history. The 2026 Stars on Ice tour will bring the opportunity to celebrate their achievements to Newark on Friday, May 1, 2026 for a 7:00pm performance at Prudential Center.
State Theatre New Jersey presents Price is Right Live(TM) - On Stage, Hosted by Todd Newton
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Price is Right Live(TM) - On Stage on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00pm. The show will be hosted by Todd Newton. This is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and "Come On Down" to win.
2026 Down & Derby Wine Festival: A Day of Wine, Music, and Derby Fun in South Jersey
(CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Jersey's most anticipated wine festival is back! The Fourth Annual Down & Derby Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 2:00pm – 7:00pm at Veterans Island in Cooper River Park. Hosted by the Camden County Board of Commissioners and Visit South Jersey, this exciting event will bring together the finest local wineries, live entertainment, delicious food, and derby-themed festivities.
RVCC presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Local audiences will have the opportunity to explore how physical science creates magic when the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11:00am.
Victoria Clark, Norm Lewis, Tony Yazbeck, Rashidra Scott, and Lea DeLaria to Perform at George Street Playhouse Gala
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse (Christopher J. Bailey, Scott Goldman, and Laiona Michelle, Artistic Producing Triumvirate; Edgar Herrera, Executive Director) have announced the performers for their 2026 Gala Benefit, taking place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The evening will begin with a champagne reception and dinner at Stage Left/Catherine Lombardi followed by a cabaret and awards presentation at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
LIAR...LIAR - Live Storytelling with a Twist
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- On the night of Thursday, May 8, 2026, four gifted storytellers will take the stage at the Invertas Brewing Company in Lambertville. Each will tell a personal, true-life story — or so they'll claim. The audience's job: figure out which one of them is lying.
Garden State Wine Growers Association presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution on May 30th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution, an exciting and immersive wine event taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the historic War Memorial in Trenton. In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the NJ wine community is ready to celebrate America 250 at this truly historic moment.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
