The hallways of Liberty were buzzing on the day of the cupcake challenge. Students eagerly awaited showing off their cupcakes, and teachers couldn’t wait to try them.

Culinary arts students were busy on Friday, Dec. 9 decorating cupcakes for Liberty staff to judge. Students received this year’s theme “Winter Warmth” the morning of the competition. They spent 25 minutes of class time collaborating and decorating their cupcakes.

The cupcakes were baked by the students the day before the competition. The decorating was the only preparation that took place the day of the competition.

“Hands down the best part was getting to sneak in a tasty cupcake snacking session right before lunch,” Mr. Cole said.

Students chose their team names the day before the competition. The overall winning teams were Bill Clinton, Misfits, Dashing Dancers, Salty Santa and the Candy Canes.

“My favorite part of the cupcake wars was the competition itself,” senior Emily Kissee said. “My favorite part was working with my team to make several really nice cupcakes that got our kitchen second place.”

The cupcakes were judged mostly by appearance and how well they demonstrated the theme. Students attempted to show the theme using their resources that consisted of marshmallows, candy canes, sprinkles, red and green food coloring and frosting.

“The best part was seeing their minds develop with their team in short amount of time,” culinary arts teacher Ms. Pizzo said. “Without the teacher judges, I could not have done this successfully.”

The event had a great outcome, with many smiling faces.

“I thought the event was very well organized from having a host that greeted you at the door to friendly faces leading you to each of the tables,” cupcake judge Mr. Cole said. “The cupcakes were delicious and it was neat to see the creative variations each group came up with while using the same ingredients.”