ACHS Culinary Students Raise Money for the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria

The dreams of budding chefs were realized as the culinary arts students at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) created gingerbread houses to raise funds for The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria (SFA). Student teams recently showcased their culinary skills on a live broadcast for Fox 5 as they crafted delightful, and obviously delicious, gingerbread creations.

A winter wonderland theme served as the inspiration for one of the gingerbread houses. Melted Jolly Ranchers helped create a snowflake-shaped window and gummy bears sat on a sled outside. Not to be outdone, another team constructed a gingerbread house using shredded wheat cereal and Hershey’s Kisses to create a snowy roof. Chef Craig Scheuerman, the ACHS culinary arts teacher, created another of his “Caps” masterpieces, custom-built for Washington D.C. Capitals ice hockey fans, which, in the past, has raised $150 for just one of these beautiful gingerbread homes.

“The creativity the students have is amazing,” Scheuerman proudly stated, adding that every year, the students outdo themselves by producing a design that surprises him. The gingerbread houses are auctioned off or sold as part of the SFA fundraiser to provide for culinary scholarships for aspiring chefs. Scheuerman believes everyone who takes part in the gingerbread build walks away a winner thanks to the team-building skills they acquire, which can be applied wherever the career path of a student takes them. He says what the students learn in the class offers them a vital life skill… “Cooking is an amazing thing and it’s fun to do.”

“It’s really a team effort, and we all work really hard,” ACHS senior Sarah Shinto added.