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JAY CRIDLINAn imaginative mix of slimy-looking frosting and spooky decorations earns a $25,000 scholarship for a Valrico boy.
VALRICO - Consider this the icing on the cake.
Tyler Modjeski, a 12-year-old Mulrennan Middle School student, has won a $25,000 college scholarship as grand champion of a nationwide kids' dessert recipe contest, his family said Friday.
His concoction - a green, gooey devil's food cake titled "Jeepers Creepers" - beat out nine other finalists from around the country to claim top honors. The dish's distinguishing features: Gummi Worms, foil-wrapped chocolate eyeballs and a cup of smoking, bubbling dry ice in the center.
"It's a "Holy cow!' type thing," said Tyler's mom, Randi Modjeski. "You never hear back from contests like that. When we did find out, it was very exciting."
Tyler said he is just glad the contest is over.
"I think I'm sick and tired of cake," he said.
The Modjeskis have known they'd won since mid March. Tyler even let word slip to a few of his friends, who took time from skateboarding to congratulate him.
"They thought it was really cool because, well, it is," he said. "Twenty-five thousand dollars is a lot of money."
The family plans to split the money between Tyler and his 9-year-old brother, Eric. A more immediate reward came in the form of a $500 prize given to all finalists. That money, Tyler said, went toward season passes at Busch Gardens.
The Modjeskis have also received another unexpected reward. Tyler has been invited to bake his cake on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on April 27, and his entire family will fly to California for the taping.
"It's awesome," Randi said. "Just winning the contest was one thing, but how many kids get to experience going on The Tonight Show?"
- Jay Cridlin can be reached at 813 661-2442 or cridlin@sptimes.com