hometownsource. com / heartland / Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, April 19, 2026 Page 15
really wonderful, fun experience!”
Lauren Thissen remarked,“ I thought the cake decorating was going to be hard, but after all the practice, it got easier. The border on the cake was challenging because it was angled for piping. I was proud of my result after all the practice I got.” Lauren also attended the four-week Cake Decorating Virtual Series hosted earlier this year.
Siblings Joelle and Avery Laudenbach enjoyed sharing the experience together. Joelle said,“ Doing the star was hard, and I messed up a little since it was my first time, but I learned I could turn it into my own creation.” Avery added,“ I was really surprised that this year they had different stages to the cake challenge. It was fun to try the harder designs.”
Awards were given in four categories. Closest to the Challenge was awarded to Rayna Eichers and Shuka LaDoux. Best Effort was awarded to Amelia Watkins and Joelle Laudenbach. Most Creative was awarded to Quinn Skroch and Lauren Thissen. Crowd Favorite went to Mary-Jane Buhs and Avery Laudenbach.
The star design proved challenging, but the youth approached it with positive attitudes and determination. There may have also been some buttercream taste-testing along the way.
It was a fantastic day of learning, creativity, and growth, and the youth should be proud of the skills they gained and the cakes they created.
Caring for the People Who Grow Our Communities
At Mille Lacs Health System, we care for the people who keep the heartland strong. This season and every season, you can count on healthcare that is close to home.
Primary & Community Care
• 24 / 7 Emergency Department
• Urgent Care – Open Daily
• Family Medicine Clinics
• Full-Service Community Pharmacies
A Few of Our Specialty Services
• Orthopedic Care
• Rehabilitation Services
• Pain Management Services
• Mental Health Support
During the Benton County 4-H Get Frosted Cake Challenge, Professional Cake Decorator Page Kebhart from Orrock, who is a cake decorator at Cub Foods in Buffalo, created the cake designs the participants were trying to replicate. Page is pictured here on the left assisting Quinn Skroch( R) with her icing bag.
320-532-3154 www. mlhealth. org