(WNY News Now) – High school culinary students from New York and Vermont showcased edible artistry and exceptional skill in the New York State Restaurant Association’s final virtual competition of the school year.
The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) is celebrating the winners of the final virtual challenge for their ProStart Students. This annual event challenges high school students from across New York State and Vermont to showcase their baking and decorating skills by creating original, homemade cakes. Each submission is judged on degree of difficulty, creativity, and artistic presentation by a panel of culinary professionals from across New York State.
The virtual challenge series began in 2020 as a creative response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a beloved annual tradition for ProStart students. Throughout the school year, students are invited to participate in three themed virtual competitions. In October, they tested their skills in a pumpkin carving contest; in December, they built gingerbread houses and villages, either individually or in teams. The cake decorating challenge marks the grand finale of the series.
Students are challenged to create not just the cake itself, but every element of the presentation—from structure to decoration—entirely from edible components, showcasing both their culinary creativity and technical skill.
The first-place winner from New York is Lilly Hrycna of Stamford. Lilly wowed the judges with a Harley-Davidson-inspired cake, featuring two tiers connected by a fondant chain and accented with bold flame detailing. Representing Vermont, the first-place winner is Riley Richardson from Shaftsbury. Riley’s creation was a stunning four-tier cake themed after Disney’s Haunted Mansion. It showcased vibrant colors, meticulous craftsmanship, and clever references to beloved characters from the film. Each participant brought their own distinctive style and exceptional hard work to the competition, making it a truly memorable showcase of talent.
“We are proud to offer these virtual challenges each year, as they allow students to apply their classroom learning in a fun, hands-on way. The creativity and talent displayed in this year’s cake decorating challenge were truly outstanding. Every cake told a story and reflected each student’s unique perspective and skillset,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA).
Winners receive certificates of achievement and a cash prize, recognizing their dedication and talent in culinary arts.
The following is the competitor information for the winners in New York and Vermont.
New York Winners:
1. Lilly Hrycna, Stamford, NY, who attends ONC BOCES: Northern Catskills Occupational Center (Grand Gorge, NY)
2. Paige VanValkenburgh, Gilboa, NY, who attends ONC BOCES: Northern Catskills Occupational Center (Grand Gorge, NY)
3. Allison Torres, Central Islip, NY, who attends Eastern Suffolk BOCES: Bixhorn Technical Center (Bellport, NY)
Vermont Top Winners:
1.Riley Richardson, Shaftsbury, VT, who attends Southwest Tech (Bennington, VT)
2. Miles Webster, Springfield, VT, who attends River Valley Technical Center (Springfield, VT)
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