Winners Named in CalJava-Sponsored Cake Contest at Penn College

Judges have announced winners for the recent CalJava International student cake contest at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Annie M. Kinney, of Milton, who earned an associate degree in baking and pastry arts from the college in 2006 and is continuing her education toward a bachelor's degree in culinary arts and systems, was named the grand-prize winner of the CalJava Wedding Cake Contest, earning an all-expense paid trip to California to attend a hands-on course at the CalJava International School of Cake Decorating and Sugarcrafts. The prize is valued at more than $2,000.

The April 30 contest and its prizes were sponsored by CalJava International, of Northridge, Calif., whose founder and CEO, Daniel Budiman, conceived the idea for the contest after twice visiting the college to offer demonstrations and work with students. He saw it as an opportunity for a business to encourage students to continue developing their budding talents.

This marks the second year for the annual contest, which was themed "A Salute to Mothers." Kinney based her design on a timepiece that has been passed for several generations − from mother to daughter − in her family.

First place was awarded to Bonita J. Kauffman, of Sunbury, for her "Lace and Orchids" cake, which was designed based on objects that remind her of her mother.

Jacqueline A. Lovecchio, of Dallas, earned second place for a cake that honored her family's tradition of spending time together in the kitchen cooking their favorite Italian foods.

Jeran E. Satteson, of New Columbia, earned third place for a cake that was decorated to match a set of pottery her mother used to serve tea and cookies.

Marley D. Sampsell, of Julian, was awarded the People's Choice Award, which was determined by cash votes cast by visitors to the display. Her cake was designed based on a tea cup and saucer set and was displayed with a sign reading, "There's always time for mother/daughter tea." The money donated by voters will be given to the Williamsport YWCA's Liberty House, which provides rooms for homeless women (and women with children) and programs to assist them in becoming self-sufficient.

The CalJava Wedding Cake Contest was held in conjunction with the School of Hospitality's Cakes and Pastry Display, which also featured chocolate centerpieces, sugar art and cakes by students in an introductory cake-decorating course. From these entries, judges awarded prizes in each category and named a "Best of Show" award, which was earned by Kristan N. Kessler, of Elysburg, for her "Faith" cake.

Winners for the chocolate centerpieces were Alyssa J. Giedroc, of Howard, first place; Robin D. Bingham, of Lewisburg, second; and Andrew L. Carl, of Elizabeth, N.J., third.

Sugar art winners were Samantha Fogleman, of Port Matilda, first place; Robin D. Bingham, of Lewisburg, second place; Sampsell, third place; and Tiffany L. Williams, of Tyrone, honorable mention.

Winners in the beginning cakes category were Kessler, first place; Katherine R. Scoda, of Red Bank, N.J., second place; Megan E. Lewis, of Pine City, N.Y., third place; and Deandra M. Lupacckino, of Reading, honorable mention.

Judges for the event were Kim Morrison, two-time winner and now a judge of the National Wedding Cake Competitions held at the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show and owner of Cakes for Occasions in Spring Mills; Jennifer Eckert, who earned degrees in baking and pastry arts and technology management from Penn College; and Tammy Hulsinger, owner of Cove Party Supplies in Roaring Branch and host of her own cake-decorating competition.

Before founding CalJava International, which distributes cake-decorating supplies worldwide, Budiman gained fame for his unique wedding-cake designs. He is also editor of Here Comes the Cake magazine.

For more information about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call (570) 327-4505, send e-mail or visit online.