Pennsylvania College of Technology's Keystone Dining Room was recently transformed into the "Keystone Theatre" for the annual Grand Pastry Buffet. The event – which this year carried the theme of "Broadway in Pastry" – is an opportunity to recognize scholarship donors and their student recipients, while serving as the "curtain call" for students in the Pastry Food Show and Buffet Presentation class. Not only did scholarship donors enjoy tasting an array of delectables, many savored the opportunity to meet the beneficiaries of their generosity.
— Photos by Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer, and Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
Hospitality students deliciously give their regards to "The Great White Way."
Before rolling out the red carpet for guests, baking and pastry arts students make last-minute touches to their sweet treats.
A red carpet of raspberry regalement
Student scholarship recipients check in with the assistance of Institutional Advancement staff members.
The marquee attraction receives a standing ovation ...
... as attendees eagerly await the tempting overture
Student speaker Jonathan M. Norton, of Lebanon, a junior in physician assistant and recipient of the Labels by Pulizzi Scholarship, shares his appreciation before an audience that includes Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour.
Nina M. Liguori, of Forty Fort, a graduating sophomore in baking and pastry arts, waves to the crowd amid the cast of culinary creators in the spotlight.
Documenting scholarship recipients and donors throughout the afternoon via video and photography are, from left, College Information and Community Relations' student video production assistants Gerianne C. Tomb and Kathleen K. Hart, and student photographer Whitnie-Rae Mays.
Among the musicals showcased were "Cats" ...
... "The Phantom of the Opera" ...
... and "Wicked"
Receiving the "red carpet treatment" are the daughters of the late Kenneth E. Carl, former president of Williamsport Area Community College and director of Williamsport Technical Institute: Marilyn Seeling, Susan Best and Joann Ertel (background from left).
Focusing on philanthropy
The "Carl sisters" are delighted to meet one of the recipients of their father's scholarship: Joshua L. Murray, of Annville, a graduating senior in building science and sustainable design: building construction technology concentration.
Showing his appreciation, Murray shakes the hands of each of Carl's daughters.
Chocolate notes waltz across whipped cream-topped peanut butter mousse.
This violin, in tribute to "The Phantom of the Opera," was crafted by Kelsey N. Moyer, a graduating sophomore in baking and pastry arts, from Forest Hill, Md.
The evening's musical motif was duplicated in the Broadway melodies piped into the venue.
Kathrine E. Dixon, first recipient of the Tracy A. Garis Memorial Scholarship, tries her hand at the chocolate fountain. Dixon, of Houtzdale, a sophomore in dental hygiene: health policy and administration concentration, also received the United Concordia Dental Hygiene Scholarship.
Guests enjoy their desserts and conversation in the atrium of the Keystone Dining Room.
Benefactors Dale A. Metzker, retired graphic communications faculty, and his wife, Sally, take to the red carpet to answer questions about supporting students through scholarship giving.
Show posters, including this one from "Chicago," were part of the décor.
Mindy Cronk, left, branch manager of W.W. Grainger Inc.'s Scranton location, chats with Patricia A. Bennett, a graduating sophomore in baking and pastry arts from West Milton ...
... and shares her company foundation's philosophy on giving. (Grainger supports multiple scholarships for students in the schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Industrial and Engineering Technologies.)
"Wicked"-ly good petit fours, emulating magic wands and crystal balls, cast an enticing spell on guests.
A giraffe from "The Lion King" strolls through festive flora and fauna.