The Mount Pleasant High School Culinary Arts department held their first annual cake competition at MPHS on Friday, April 16. The competition was open to all students and staff members at MPHS with plans to add a Gingerbread House contest in the fall and to open the competitions to the Mount Pleasant community in the future.

Senior Cecilia Garcia earned Best of Show honors for her island cake made of chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, and gelatin.

Juniors Isabela Banda, Jasmin Ramirez, and Maritza Castro took 1st place for their “Up” themed cake.

Juniors Zuli Mejia, Joanna Velasquez, and Briseida Solis won 2nd place for their “Coco” themed cake.

And MPHS Algebra teacher, Candice Berend, placed 3rd with her “Wizard of Oz” themed cake.

Judges for the competition were Chef Brenda Young and MPHS culinary alumnus and current NTCC culinary student, Isai Baltazar. Donating prizes for the winners were Army Staff Sergeant Trevor B. Meek, Marine Staff Sergeant Mitch Seneff, Texas Army National Guard Sergeants Caleb Ingram and Allie Hacic, Herschel’s, Jo’s Downtown, and Gamestop. Special assistance was provided by MPHS Career and Technology teacher, Donna Davis, with decorations and plants provided by MPHS Horticulture teacher, Susie Hearron.

The MPHS Culinary Arts classes are taught by Chef Kathleen Anker.