CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Avani Shah is just an everyday kid who likes dance, art, Taylor Swift, and—most of all—cooking. After a nationwide search, Avani has just become one of the Top 40 contestants competing on Season 5 of MasterChef Junior and one of five participants from the Chicago-area.

"I really want to be a baker when I grow up," Avani said. "That's why I'm going to business school, so I can buy and run my own bakery."

Kellogg or Wharton may be in her sights though, for now, English is her favorite subject at British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park.

"Avani is a creative individual, which is clearly evident in the wonderful writing she produces," said her fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Kristen Bethell. "She's a warm and charismatic girl whose enthusiasm for cooking is infectious. For her recent history project, Avani built the Ancient Greek Parthenon entirely out of baked goods!"

Ms. Bethell's not the only teacher to show her support for Avani's upcoming appearance on Fox's culinary competition, as her third-grade teacher, Ms. Danielle Stone, encouraged her former student to go to the casting call this past summer.

"Ms. Stone has always inspired my daughter to follow her dreams," said Rohini Shah. "We are in awe of the wonderful support by the teaching staff both inside and outside of the classroom."

At a school that empowers students to be ambitious, the young MasterChef Junior contestant only had sage advice for her friends and classmates.

"You have to be passionate about anything you like to do," Avani said. "I think being on MasterChef Junior is pushing me to go further in my cooking and learning so many new things that will help me later in life."

In the season premiere episode, "The Quest for an Apron Part 1," 40 junior home cooks come to Los Angeles ready to compete for a MasterChef Junior apron. During each culinary showdown, four chefs receive a unique challenge – from steak, to scallops to cupcakes. Two lucky winners from each group earn an apron and a chance to move on, while two head back home. The competition is tougher than ever as Gordon and Christina separate the best junior chefs from all the rest. All Top 20 contestants will be revealed in the following episode, "The Quest for an Apron Part 2," airing Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

About British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
BISC Lincoln Park is an internationally-minded private institution preparing students two-years old and up to succeed through a values-based education at a state-of-the-art, five-story campus with a true-to-the-heart Chicago neighborhood feel. Founded in 2001, the school's mission is to provide an ever-evolving experience for ever-evolving learners. BISC Lincoln Park recognizes the uniqueness of each child through learning that promotes challenge and personalized education at all levels. To learn more about BISC Lincoln Park's unique, international private school experience, please visit: www.bischicagolp.org.

For more information, please contact:
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
James Haenes, Director of Communications
Tel: (773) 506-2097
E-mail: communications@bischicagolp.org

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SOURCE British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park