Students Receive Awards in Annual Cake Competition
Published 03.16.2012
A three-tier cake inspired by antique lace doilies took top prize in an annual Wedding Cake Competition at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
The competition is sponsored by CalJava International, a cake decorating supply company based in California.
Daniel Budiman, a renowned cake decorator and company owner, devised the competition after twice visiting Penn College to offer demonstrations in baking and pastry arts classes. He sponsors prizes for the winners to encourage students to continue developing their budding cake decorating skills.
The theme for this year's competition was "Butterflies." Each student selected an object that would serve as inspiration for his or her butterfly cake.
The first-place cake was designed by Susan M. Updegraff, of Williamsport. Second place was awarded to Kelly E. Rockwell, of Trout Run; and third place went to Sabrina R. Strassner, of Milton.
The People's Choice Award winner, determined by visitors to the cake exhibition casting votes for their favorite, was Samuel P. Harer, of Lewisburg. Proceeds from voting were donated to the Williamsport YWCA's Liberty House, a bridge housing program for Lycoming County women (and women with children) who are homeless.
Judges were 2008 Wedding Cake Competition winner Kristan Kessler, '08, who owns Sweet Beginnings by Kristan in Mount Carmel; alumna Jennifer Eckert, who received an associate degree in baking and pastry arts in 2001 and a bachelor's degree in technology management in 2004; and Todd M. Keeley, part-time instructor of baking and pastry arts.
To learn more about baking and pastry arts and other academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call 570-327-4505 or visit on the Web .
For general information about the college, visit online , email or call toll-free 800-367-9222.