First-time cupcake creator Melina Olvera, a Grapevine High School sophomore, is among eight GCISD Career and Technical Education students who are moving on to the state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Conference, April 9-11, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas. They secured their spots after competing at the Region II Conference, held March 5-7 in Waco.
FCCLA is the nation’s #1 career preparation and workforce readiness organization for students pursuing careers in education; hospitality and tourism; arts and design; personal finance, human services; and public service through family and consumer sciences education.
“I had never baked a cupcake before,” Olvera stated.
Her German chocolate cake with pecan pie filling and cream cheese frosting topped with toasted pecans earned second place in a field of 25 entries in her category, according to CTE culinary teacher and FCCLA advisor Kaylie Kotecki.
Olvera shared that it was just not their creation that was judged. Students also had to present before a panel of judges, answering questions which included, “why did you choose this category?” Olvera’s response was that she is typically chosen as the baker in her Advanced Culinary class and has baked culinary delicacies such as the famous Grapevine High School cranberry cookies and rolls for staff events.
“I’m happy to bake,” Olvera shared. “Maybe I’ll even open a bakery someday in addition to pursuing my career as an animal nutritionist.”
Congratulations to all of the FCCLA students advancing to state:
First Place in Texas Toy Design - Colette Cano and Nicole Cano, Grapevine High School
Second Place in Texas Cupcake Presentation - Melina Olvera, Grapevine High School
Third Place in Food Innovations - Hunter Somerman and Albin Jacobson, Colleyville Heritage High School
Third Place in Hospitality and Tourism - Kinsey Vines and Katie Rosado, Grapevine High School
Gold Medal/Perfect Score in Family and Consumer Sciences Assessments - Yamilla Vega, Grapevine High School
The top five winners in events advanced to state.