A Providence Village preteen with a knack for cooking just got the dinner invite of her life.
On July 10, 11 year-old Jianna Garcia will represent Texas at the 2015 Kids' State Dinner at the White House, as a guest of first lady Michelle Obama.
Jianna is one of 54 winners across the country in the first lady and PBS's Healthy Lunchtime Challenge.
Contestants had to create healthy, balanced meals using all the food groups that were then judged based on taste, originality, affordability and, of course, healthiness.
The Denton Independent School District student created a dinner recipe of a couscous salad with chicken, artichoke and lemon skewers accompanied by a Texas tzatziki sauce.
Jianna said she cried in joy when she got the letter that she won, and still can't believe she may have the chance to show off her recipe in person to the Obamas.
Jianna grew up watching her father, Javier Garcia, a chef of 20 years, cook at various restaurants and said he continues to teach her new techniques to try out in the kitchen.
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Along with just graduating from Providence Elementary School, Jianna has also already made her national TV debut, competing on Master Chef Junior earlier this year.
She said she hopes to attend the Culinary Institute one day and then open her own restaurant, focusing on Mediterranean cuisine.
Jianna leaves for Washington on July 9 for the event.
