Students from the Whidbey Island Christian School earned a top prize in this year’s Gingerbread Challenge, sponsored by The Whidbey Examiner.

The entry, “Native Indians of Whidbey Island – Longhouse on the Beach,” won the People’s Choice prize in the group category.

Teacher Marie Thornton said the students visited the Island County Historical Museum to learn about native tribes before they designed and built their elaborate gingerbread longhouse, complete with decorated gingerbread canoes, campfires with candy-corn flames, and tiny Swedish-fish salmon drying on racks fashioned from pretzel sticks.

A most awesome entry, indeed!

The People’s Choice prize in the individual category went to Richelle Stoufer and her entry, “Christmas Carousel,” which featured animal crackers mounted on pretzel sticks around a colorful carousel topped with snowy frosting and lots of colorful candy decorations.

The two People’s Choice winners each receive a $20 gift certificate to The Honey Bear, Coupeville’s favorite gift, toy and candy shop.

Many entries won praise from the judges. “Farm in Winter” by Phoenix Lester was honored as the sweetest farmyard scene.

“A Christmas Welcome” by Holly Stoufer was deemed most heartwarming. “Gingerbread Christmas Cottage” by Alex Otto had the most awesome roof tiles.

“Santa’s Love Shack” by Sabrina Hickam was described as the most intriguing. “Sweet Treat Farm: Eat Local,” created by Prairie Bottom Farm, had the best Whidbey flavor. “Village of People” by Savina Wells had the best use of unusual building materials.

“Winter Wonderland Cabin” by Shannon Bly had the best trees. “Celebrating Community” by Maya Toomey Stout had the best Christmas spirit.

And “Whidbey Farmhouse” by Tia and Sebastian Wurzrainer had the entry with the best snow.

Thank you to everyone for participating, and we look forward to seeing even more wonderful entries next year!