Kudos

Essex County student Megan Hackett competed on an episode of Food Network’s “Chopped Junior” that aired April 11.

Essex County student Megan Hackett competed on an episode of Food Network’s “Chopped Junior” that aired April 11. Hackett had plans to use the $10,000 grand prize to start an after-school program for inner-city kids to experience the arts. Although the fifth-grader didn’t win the competition, she was the runner-up, besting two other junior chefs and impressing the judges with her culinary creativity. Essex County residents supported Hackett at a viewing party at SuzyQue’s BBQ and Bar in West Orange. When the talented 10-yearold isn’t cooking, she’s acting and singing.