Pennsylvania College of Technology recently announced the winners of its annual wedding cake competition, with first-place honors awarded to a cake topped with a hand-molded weeping cherry tree.

The decorator responsible for the intricately detailed cake is Aurora Mercedes LeBlanc, a non-degree student from Williamsport.

Cakes were judged by Susan Notter, USA sales professional for Max Felchlin chocolate, who has won gold medals in numerous competitions around the world; and Suzann Mayer, a retired faculty member and owner of Grammy Sue’s Cakes and Cookies.

Bailey L. Frey, a baking and pastry arts student from Watsontown, took second place, and Madeline J. Novack, a baking and pastry arts student from Selinsgrove, placed third.

Each of the entrants in the competition is enrolled in an advanced-level cake decorating course, taught by Chef Todd M. Keeley, instructor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts. In addition to judging the cakes, Notter and Mayer spent time in the classroom talking with students about the industry, providing advice and answering questions.

Penn College offers an associate degree in baking and pastry arts and a certificate in professional baking, as well as degrees in culinary arts, business administration: sport and event management concentration, and business administration: restaurant and hospitality operations concentration. To learn more, call 570-327-4505 or visit the School of Business & Hospitality.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor

Chefs Suzann Mayer, retired faculty member, and Susan Notter, USA sales professional for Max Felchlin, provide industry insight and advice to baking and pastry arts students before judging a wedding cake competition comprised of final projects by students in Cake Decorating II.

LeBlanc’s winning entry: a cake topped with a hand-molded weeping cherry tree

Bailey L. Frey, of Watsontown, received second place for her cake.

Frey’s second-place cake

Madeline J. Novack, of Selinsgrove, with her third-place winning cake …

… accented with petals and piping

A cake by Kristian M. Saunders, of Gillett, features “love birds” in a nest.

A cake by Rachael E. Berg, of Newark, Del.

A cake by Danielle R. Wesneski, of Williamsport

A black wedding cake by Brianna M. Farmer, of McKean

The impressive topper on LeBlanc’s first-place cake