Our five student carvers from Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI), along with their mentor and instructor, Chris Foltz and his wife, Kendra, have returned to Coos Bay, Oregon. Each of these fine culinary students had to earn their way to come to Fairbanks and compete in the 2025 Ice Alaska Novice Competition. Some of them had never carved ice before. They are more used to carving in wood, pumpkins and even chocolate than ice, which was described as a very unforgiving medium.

Their finished pieces showed much talent and creativity. Each one of these delightful students should be very proud of him and her self. Briana Fuentes carved “The Water,” Ethan Quach carved “Weird Bird”, Jason Sherill carved The “Struggle”, Jenna Hill carved “Pearl” and Caleb Hunter carved “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”. Briana’s “The Water” won first place. Ethan’s “Weird Bird” placed second and Jason’s “The Struggle” won third place. Well done. All five of you have created beautiful works of art. Good luck to all you with your future endevours.