URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth put their creativity, planning, and presentation skills to the test during the 2026 State Cake Decorating Competition on May 7 at Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
The high-energy, live competition brought together youth ages 8 to 18 for a hands-on experience that blends artistic expression with real-world skill building. Participants competed in two divisions—beginner and intermediate/advanced—transforming plain cakes into themed designs during timed rounds.
The event was free to participants and open to any enrolled Illinois 4-H member.
“This competition is about more than decorating cakes,” said Danielle Gapinski, University of Illinois Extension creative and cultural arts specialist. “Youth are building confidence, practicing time management, and learning how to present their ideas under pressure—skills that will serve them far beyond this event.”
A single theme was randomly selected at the start of each competition, challenging participants to think creatively and adapt in real time. Possible themes included Route 66 Centennial, Harvest of Illinois, and Milestones and Memories with Beginner’s theme selected as Harvest of Illinois and Intermediate/Advanced selected as Route 66 Centennial.
Activities throughout the day included orientation, timed decorating rounds, presentations, and an awards ceremony, as well as tours of the Food Science and Human Nutrition labs.
Results
In the beginner division, top honors went to Hayden Baugh of Marshall Putnam County, followed by Cheyenne Schabbing of Cumberland County in second place and Olivia Koch of Champaign County in third.
In the intermediate/advanced division, Alyssa Temple of Whiteside County earned first place honors, with Alana Hettel of LaSalle County placing second and Vanessa Edler of Will County placing third.
“This experience gives young people the chance to take an idea from concept to completion in a single day,” said Danielle Gapinski, University of Illinois Extension creative and cultural arts specialist. “They’re not only expressing their creativity, but also learning how to think critically, manage their time, and confidently share their work with others—skills that prepare them for success in any path they choose.”
Local volunteer judges included Oliva Campbell of Campbell Cake Studio, Mary Enright former owner of Hunny Bunny Bakes and Ellie Tanner of E’s Sweet Slice.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Danielle Gapinski, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.