Before sunrise, students at Pearland High School are already firing up smokers, learning Texas barbecue — and skills that go far beyond the pit.

PEARLAND, Texas — As pit masters from around the world fire up their smokers for the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, one group in Pearland is already hard at work long before the sun comes up.

On select Saturday mornings at 4:30 a.m., students at Pearland High School gather to light the pit, tend the fire, and cook all day as part of the school’s brand-new BBQ Club.

The club launched just four months ago, in October, with fewer than 10 students. Today, it has grown to 25, all committed to learning the craft of Texas barbecue from the ground up.

“We get here at 4:30, light the pit at 4:45, and I probably don’t leave until like 4 o’clock that afternoon,” said freshman Jonah Vasquez.

From brisket and ribs to chicken, beans, and even dessert, the students spend hours perfecting their cooks while learning lessons that go far beyond the pit.

Pearland High School freshman Alexa Martinez said she initially joined for the food.

“I heard that we were going to be cooking brisket and stuff, and I like barbecue,” she laughed.

But what keeps her coming back each weekend is the experience.

“It’s a struggle waking up in the morning after school all week,” Martinez said. “But it’s all worth it because we come here and we get to learn new things every day.”

For some students, the club has opened doors to future careers.

Freshman Grayson Martinez, who hopes to become a professional chef, said the BBQ Club has helped him explore a new side of cooking.

“My journey for wanting to be a professional chef, this has taught me a new aspect,” he said.

Others see barbecue as an extension of skills they were already building in the kitchen.

“I’ve always liked cooking,” said freshman Sarah Cardenes. “Barbecuing was just the next step, another culinary thing to explore.”

According to club founder and Pearland High School teacher Christina Varsos, the early mornings and long cooks are intentional.

“They’re learning teamwork skills, collaborative skills, and how to be scientific about cooking,” Varsos said. “Understanding heat, fat, acid — all of it matters.”

Parents say those lessons are carrying over at home.

“One of the changes I’ve seen is that he’s willing to help cook at home,” said parent and teacher Casey Kimball. “He’ll step up and say, ‘Let me cut this onion. Let me practice my knife skills.’”

But keeping the club going comes with challenges — especially financial ones.

“A brisket is about $100,” Varsos explained. “Ribs are $13 to $15, chicken is about $10. If we want our kids to get hands-on experience, we have to spend money before every practice.”

The club also needs more equipment, including additional pits and smokers. While a local business recently donated two smokers, Varsos said more are needed as the program continues to grow.

“We don’t want kids to miss out on learning barbecue skills because they don’t have $100 to buy a brisket,” she said.

The students say community support could shape the future of the club.

“We still need sponsors for next year,” Alexa Martinez said. “If people are open to that, you know.”

As Houston celebrates barbecue traditions during rodeo season, these students are quietly training to become the next generation of Texas pit masters, proving that with enough passion, patience, and support, the future of Texas BBQ is already warming up.

The BBQ Club is preparing to participate in a state championship.

If you would like to support the Pearland High School BBQ Club or make a donation, click here.