Winners Named in Penn College Wedding Cake Competition

Published 04.12.2016

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Pennsylvania College of Technology recently announced the winners of its annual wedding cake competition, with the top prize going to a cake designed by Amanda R. D’Apuzzo and topped by a hand-molded “glass” slipper.

D’Apuzzo, of Morganville, New Jersey, is pursuing a degree in baking and pastry arts from the college. She is one of 15 Penn College students who competed. All are enrolled in an advanced cake decorating course taught by Chef Todd M. Keeley, instructor of baking and pastry arts/culinary arts.



Student Amanda R. D’Apuzzo, of Morganville, New Jersey, designed the top-prize entry in Penn College’s annual wedding cake competition.Receiving second place was a cake designed by Chyna M. Profeta, of Williamsport, that featured a peacock with cascading tail feathers. In third place was Christina M. Ohlin, of Dillsburg, whose edible details included delicate red roses, and fourth place was awarded to Seriana A. Nitcznski, of Dushore, whose upside-down cake seemed to defy gravity. The three are also pursuing degrees in baking and pastry arts.

The competition was judged by Kim Morrison, two-time Grand Prize winner of the National Wedding Cake Competition and owner of Cakes for Occasions in Spring Mills; Samantha Gundlach, owner of Samantha’s Kitchen in Lock Haven and a 2010 Penn College baking and pastry arts graduate; and Sue L. Mayer, owner of Grammy Sue’s Cakes and Cookies in Cogan Station and a retired Penn College baking and pastry arts faculty member.

D’Apuzzo’s award-winning cakeThe top four cakes traveled to the Atlantic Bakery Expo in Atlantic City, where they competed in the Cake Decorating Extravaganza. The expo is the largest bakery exposition on the East Coast, offering educational programs, networking opportunities, product information and many contests for decorators and bakers.

While there, several Penn College students and faculty assisted representatives of Guittard Chocolate, which donates its products to the college’s hospitality programs, with demonstrations.

All 15 five-tiered cakes are on display on the first floor of the college’s Madigan Library through the end of the semester (early May).

The other cakes were designed by Jeffrey L. Bretz, of Quakertown; Courtney K. Brown, of Hanover; Hannah L. Kegerreis, of Pittsburgh; Victoria R. Krauter, of Royersford; Jacqueline Lyden, of Kunkletown (formerly of Columbus, New Jersey); Brittany L. Mink, of Allentown; Kasey M. Powell, of Mount Union; Hanna D. Runtas, of Williamsport; Cory R. Smith, of Brick, New Jersey; Lauren A. Stehman, of Elliottsburg; and Krista A. Swinehart, of Northumberland.

To learn more about hospitality majors at Penn College, call 570-327-4505.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.