Twelve-year-old Cassidy Tryon of Horseheads won the episode of the Food Network show Chopped Junior that aired tonight.

Friends and family gathered at Wegmans in Corning to watch the episode with the star herself. Her parents say they’re incredibly proud of her.

“She’s amazing she’s taught me so much you wouldn’t think you would learn from your kids but you do and she’s she is just full of ideas and energy and she’s a joy to have,” says Cassidy’s mother,  Clara Tryon.

After having to keep the results of the show a secret until the episode aired, Tryon says she’s happy she can finally talk about it.

“It feels great to tell everyone now, I mean I’m just so happy and everyone’s so happy with me and it’s just amazing,” Tryon says.

Tryon also says that this experience has taught her a valuable lesson.

“Don’t give up, you can find it in yourself to do it. Go for it and no matter how scary it seems just put in all your effort and something will come out of it,” Tryon says.

Her best effort won her the title of Chopped Junior Champion and $10,000 in prize money. Tryon says she wants to save some money for college but she’d also like to make a donation to a local food bank right here in Downtown Elmira.

Though Tryon dominated in her first TV cooking competition, she says you haven’t seen the last of her yet.

“I’d love to continue with the cooking shows and the food network and all that stuff and I just want to continue,” Tryon says.

Tryon hopes to one day own a bed and breakfast, she is also interested in pursing Equine Therapy.