Events
Students Triumph at Elite Competition
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 9, 2025) – Wake Tech students showed off exceptional talent and creativity at the North Carolina American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition, winning 31 medals for artistic chocolate and sugar showpieces and elaborate wedding cakes.
The event, held Thursday at the Scott Northern Wake Campus, is recognized as the largest competition of its kind in the country.
Students took home 12 gold medals, 13 silver medals and six bronze medals.
Judges evaluated all entries based on the official ACF scale, scoring students on artistry, craftsmanship, theme and presentation.
Yukie Signini, a student in the Baking & Pastry Arts program, was awarded the prestigious "Best in Show" for her exquisite Japanese Wedding Cake. The piece was inspired by the traditional elements of a Japanese wedding, including the beauty of the kimono (dress), obi (belt) and customary flowers.
Originally from Japan, Signini moved to Cary a few years ago. Encouraged by her husband to take her baking hobby to the next level, she enrolled at Wake Tech. Signini already bakes and sells bread at various local farmers markets. Now, she is also creating award-winning showpieces and cakes.
"This is my third gold medal," said Signini, who also won gold in previous ACF competitions for her sugar and chocolate showpieces. "Wake Tech is an amazing place! I have learned techniques and skills that I know will help me in the future. Maybe one day I will even open my own bakery!"
The ACF competition serves as a class project for students enrolled in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts degree programs. With experience, these popular programs prepare graduates for careers such as sous chef, food services manager, pastry chef and bakery manager. Wake Tech also offers an associate degree in Hospitality Management.
