It’s a sweet Holiday tradition that keeps getting sweeter at Black Mountain Primary (BMP).
For 21 years now, the school has competed in the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn. This unique contest draws in elaborate edible creations from all across the country. First grade teacher Ashley Styles has been overseeing the massive project for seven years.
“My students have a chance to pour themselves into a fun challenge and compete amongst others vying for recognition,” she said. “Win or lose children have shown immense characteristics of a winner. Whether that's handling disappointment well, or winning with grace, it’s all about character development. Projects like these help develop every single trait in the portrait of a graduate.”
Mrs. Styles is a Buncombe County native but had never heard of the competition until her son was in first grade.
“I saw the excitement in my son’s eyes as we awaited the results several years ago,” she explained. “That meant everything to me as a mother. He was fully invested, and I became invested shortly after becoming a first grade teacher. A peer teacher, Cyndi Leatherwood, was carrying on the tradition at that point. I thought of my son’s face at his own competition, and knew I wanted to help other families feel the same way.”
It’s that personal connection to the contest that pushes Mrs. Styles each year to come up with a one of a kind creation. With the help of her students, this year’s design was “What Would Santa Want for Christmas.” Students came up with the idea of baby reindeer from Mrs. Claus.
However, the class faced a few hiccups along the way such as the loss of an old hand mixer, the gingerbread being too soft and delicate, and running out of 2 pounds of green sprinkles. In the end the students learned important skills and memories they will never forget.
“Students learn valuable culinary arts skills, but also perseverance, grit, tenacity, creativity, and courage,” Mrs. Styles said. “I am proud of how well we did considering all the repairs we had to make.”
This year the class placed in the top 10 for their age category. Visitors can view all the different entries from November 27th to January 2nd at Omni Grove Park Inn. Parking for the event is $25. For more information please visit the Omni Grove Park Inn.
