Former Rockwall-Heath High School culinary student Alexa Nuñez fulfilled a lifelong dream of competing in a television cake competition show and came home a winner.
Alexa, a Class of 2018 graduate, took home the top prize of $10,000 and the title of Food Network Champion with her teammates on the Food Network show “The Big Bake Holiday: Wreck the Halls.”
The competition gives three professional baking teams just five hours to create a grand scale cake based on the holiday theme. Alexa and her two teammates had to design, bake, and decorate within that short time.
Alexa said winning the competition was a dream come true. She’s always had an interest in baking and recalls watching cake competition shows with her mom as a child. She credits the Rockwall ISD culinary program for playing a part in turning her passion into a career.
“Being in culinary lit up the spark I had to pursue a career in baking,” she said. “Being able to have hands on and learn new techniques reassured me that I was on the right path and only made me want to learn more.”
Alexa has taken her skills into her own baking business, where she has been creating beautiful custom cakes full time for five years.
Alexa's achievement not only showcases her talent but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young chefs within the Rockwall ISD culinary program. Her journey from the school's culinary program to becoming a Food Network Champion exemplifies the possibilities that come with passion, determination, and a supportive community.
“I would love for any kid in Rockwall ISD who may have a passion like I did to see that it’s not just a dream,” Alexa said. “It can be done if you just go for it.”
