WHS Culinary Arts teacher Emily Guynes and Caden Zeltner, WHS senior, who won Best of Show at the State Fair for a flourless chocolate cheesecake.  Courtesy WISD

A Wylie High School senior has made district and State Fair of Texas history after winning the top honor in the fair’s annual Chocolate Baking Competition — a first for both Wylie ISD and the statewide event.

Caden Zeltner, a senior in the Wylie High Culinary Arts program, earned the coveted Best in Show title with a flourless chocolate cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce. His entry rose above submissions from adult professionals and seasoned bakers across Texas, marking an unprecedented achievement for a high school competitor.

Wylie High Culinary Arts teacher Chef Emily Guynes said the moment Zeltner’s name was announced was unforgettable.

“When they announced his name, the crowd erupted!” Guynes said. “It was like a scene from a movie. Everyone was so pumped! I am so proud!”

The State Fair’s baking competitions routinely draw experienced participants, but this year Zeltner’s skill and creativity set him apart. His passion for baking, he said, goes back to early childhood.

“I’ve loved to cook and bake since I was around five years old,” he said.

Zeltner credits the Wylie High Culinary Program — and especially Guynes’ guidance — for helping him refine his abilities.

“I’d say my Culinary Practicum teacher, Chef Guynes, has been my biggest support and influencer on my current skills and aspirations,” he said.

The win, he added, has been both thrilling and humbling.

“It feels great to know I did something different than other people,” he said.

Despite his success in the culinary world, Zeltner does not plan to pursue cooking as a career. After graduation, he hopes to serve a two-year religious mission, attend college, start a family and eventually become a firefighter. Cooking and baking, however, will remain a lifelong passion.

“I’ll still be cooking and baking throughout the rest of my life,” he said.

Zeltner also offered encouragement to other Wylie ISD students pursuing big goals.

“Work hard for your passions,” he said. “One of my biggest reasons to push through challenges and become a better cook is to provide for my future family. Find a reason behind your passion. When it gets hard, think about that reason and use it as momentum for your next big step.”

Zeltner’s accomplishment adds to a growing list of recognitions for Wylie ISD’s Culinary Arts program. Senior Sammie Kenney, Wylie East alumna Haylee Wilson, and Wylie High alumna Isabelle Hargrove were all featured in the 2025 Creative

Arts Cookbook for their award-winning recipes last year.

The district congratulated Zeltner, Guynes and the entire Wylie High Culinary Arts team for their historic achievement at the State Fair of Texas.

Founded in 1886, the State Fair of Texas is one of the largest and longest-running fairs in the nation. Held each fall at historic Fair Park in Dallas, the event attracts millions of visitors with its blend of traditional competitions, agricultural exhibitions, live entertainment and its iconic, larger-than-life mascot, Big Tex.

In addition to its food competitions — which have become a beloved highlight — the fair supports education and community initiatives across the state. Through its Big Tex Scholarship Program and partnerships with schools, including culinary arts programs like Wylie High’s, the State Fair continues to play a significant role in celebrating Texas talent and fostering future opportunities for students.

Editor’s Note: Information for this story was provided by Wylie ISD’s communications department.

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