For three straight years, Emily has hosted cupcake decorating contests for local teens. The preparation starts well before the event. She bakes close to sixty cupcakes the night before, then comes home after school on the day of the event to mix her own custom frosting colors and fill piping bag after piping bag, getting everything ready before the event.
Each contest has drawn and reached new teens as they competed across categories like Best Design, Best Piping, and Most Creative. It’s not just about the contest—it is about seeing kids light up over something they made with their own hands.
Beyond the contests, Emily has also raised funds by setting up a table at community events throughout the year—from the opening day of Chinese school to Easter and Thanksgiving gatherings—offering her cupcakes for a free-will donation. Most attendees gave, some quite generously, and each table has brought her closer to her goal.
Take a look through the photos below and see how each year has come together, one cupcake at a time.
