Five high schools competing in T-Galleria’s gingerbread house tilt

Five high schools in the CNMI have started decorating gingerbread houses as part of a competition sponsored by T-Galleria.

T-Galleria promotions manager Jamika Reyes said they opened the competition to five high schools only: Kagman High School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Saipan Southern High School, Mount Carmel School, and Saipan International School.

Reyes said that T Galleria provided the gingerbread structure and some edible decorations. It is then up to the schools to use other ingredients if they want to.

Starting yesterday until tomorrow, Dec. 25, T Galleria will be giving out ballots to customers who are over 18 years old to vote on their favorite gingerbread house.

The students started decorating their gingerbread houses on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014.

KHS culinary arts teacher Nonisa Camacho said she has five students joining the competition.

“They showed enthusiasm in joining and we practiced for several days. We are going for the non-traditional gingerbread house decorations and going for an island theme that will incorporate Christmas,” Camacho said.

MBA principal Rev. Ramiro Trinidad said their theme is the traditional gingerbread house but with a sweeter taste, incorporating colorful candies into the gingerbread house.

“We have about 10 students and they are seniors. We encouraged them to join and if they win they will use it for their fundraiser on their senior trip to South Korea,” Trinidad said.

SSHS National Honor Society adviser Karen Echon also has 10 students in the contest. Their theme for the gingerbread house is incorporating a cabin-like feature.

MCS senior student Aysia Santos said their theme is a “Winter Wonderland” gingerbread house. About six students joined in for MCS.

SIS fifth-grade teacher Amie McRoberts said their five student competitors have chosen to do an island-style gingerbread house.

Reyes said the different departments at T Galleria are also competing for the best decorated Christmas tree.

The students will earn prize money. First place is $500, second is $400, third is $300, fourth is $200 and fifth is $100.

“So everybody is a winner in the gingerbread house contest. For the Christmas tree contest, if they win, the money would go to any non-profit organization that they choose,” Reyes said.