ATA culinary arts students take first place

(posted on November 17, 2009)

Culinary Arts students at the Academy for Technology and Academics built a 1st place winning gingerbread house in support of the Horry County Autism Advocate Foundation’s Victorian Gingerbread House Competition. The gingerbread houses were displayed at the Dickens Christmas Show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center November 13, 14, and 15.

ATA culinary arts students designed and developed a template for the house, baked their own gingerbread, and constructed the house. Junior and Senior culinary students worked together constructing it, and then doing intricate decorations to meet the requirements of the Victorian theme. Everything on the Gingerbread house was piped by hand and all candies and treats were put on one at a time by hand. It was a fun experience for the students but was also a great learning experience. Students were able to work on their piping techniques, make royal icing, express their creativity while giving back to the community.

The Annual Victorian Gingerbread House Competition serves as a fund-raising event for the Autism Advocate Foundation which receives 100% of all proceeds donated. The AAF was created by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders living in Horry County, South Carolina. The non-profit organization provides emotional, financial, and therapeutic support for individuals with ASD throughout their lives.