First, they researched what kind of house they wanted to build and built a model of it out of cardboard. Assuming they had their desired plan for their houses, they then made the cookie dough and icing, baked the pieces and parts and finally put the houses together. After they let the houses settle into their glued form, they started to decorate.

The themes for the gingerbread houses varied between traditional and out of the box. Most of the houses were Christmas themed, including a more unique gingerbread creation that was a gift box all wrapped up, even including a bow. On the side of the gift were a few different characters made by hand.

Another out of the box creation made by the students was a Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory gingerbread masterpiece. Surrounding the factory was a bunch of different candies, just as Wonka had in the movie.

One of the creations even had a lighthouse as the main focal point. This lighthouse had lots of ‘snow’ and Christmas decorations on it, making it the perfect addition to their gingerbread house.

OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Pictured are all of the gingerbread houses the seniors from the BOCES Culinary program made. See additional photos at www.observertoday.com.

Caccamise stresses that creativity is the main point of this project. Creativity is even in the rubric for the project, along with use of materials, overall appearance, holiday spirit and teamwork and individuality. “What we stress is creativity,” said Caccamise. “We give them a board and tell them the sky is the limit.”

Teamwork is also a huge part of this project. The kids are learning how to work well in partners, deciding on an idea they both like, and executing their idea. Among these, lots of other skills are used while making these beloved gingerbread houses. “It’s a good project because they have to incorporate math, science, building skills, and they have to use their imagination,” said Caccamise.

The student’s houses are then voted on by faculty and staff of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES LoGuidice Center. The juniors and seniors are voted for separately, so there are six winners in total. First, second, and third place from each level.

The juniors had first place winners April Fleck from Westfield and Nilmary Rodriguez-Pagan from Dunkirk. They built the gingerbread house that included a lighthouse with it. The second place winners were Cameron Williamson from Gowanda and Alex Jones from Westfield. They built a very traditional, yet beautiful gingerbread house with a snowman in the ‘front lawn’. Last but certainly not least, in third place were Dominic DiRienzo from Gowanda and Rebecca Jones from Pine Valley. Their gingerbread creation included two huts with handmade, edible stones on the outside of the huts.

The seniors of the culinary program also had three winners. In first place came Hunter Booth from Forestville and Shaleigh Damcott from Westfield. Their gingerbread house was very traditional, yet super creative — the house even had a pool on the side! In second place were Brooklyn Bane and Brenna Watson, both from Westfield. Their creation was a remake of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Coming in third place was Amber Krzyzanowski from Cassadaga and Heather Fleck from Westfield. Their masterpiece was a large gift made out of gingerbread with some handmade characters around it.

Submitted Photo First place winners April Fleck from Westfield and Nilmary Rodriguez-Pagan from Dunkirk. They built a gingerbread house that included a lighthouse with it.

Submitted Photos Above, third place winners were Dominic DiRienzo from Gowanda and Rebecca Jones from Pine Valley.