Local school cooks up its first Cupcake Wars

  • 2016-04-23
Catonsville's Mount de Sales Academy, an all-girls high school, held its inaugural ‘Cupcake Wars’ April 14.

The money raised from the event goes to support the Fisher House Foundation, a Rockville-based nonprofit that provides guesthouses for wounded soldiers' families.

The fundraiser was substituted for the 5K held annually by the Academy's Support the Troops Club. The change was made because the club had other obligations, and needed a simpler way to raise funds. According to Eileen Clements, the Academy's art teacher, the Cupcake Wars proved to be a good choice.

According to Clements' estimate, the cupcakes raised about $1,200 for the Fisher House, which is located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Teachers and students both brought cupcakes that competed in five categories: most patriotic, Maryland-themed, school-themed, surprise ingredient, and spring-themed. The cupcakes cost $1 each, but additional donations were welcome.

Among the winners was Hannah Yost, a freshman, who won the surprise category, as well as winning best overall. Her cupcakes were made with dark chocolate, iced with chili-espresso buttercream frosting. Hannah's creations impressed so much that one of the judges talked to her about possible job opportunities after the end of the competition.

The Academy might consider working with a flyer printing company on a flyer for residents, celebrating the success of this year's event and asking people to plan on participating again next year.