Students Combine Art and History to Create Masterpiece for Gingerbread Extravaganza

Each year, with a curricular focus on Jacksonville history, St. Mark’s Campus third grade students select a historical landmark to construct out of gingerbread and candies for the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Gingerbread Extravaganza. This year, students recreated downtown Jacksonville’s Seminole Club.

Alongside art teacher Mrs. Bebe, students worked in small groups to build the gingerbread foundation at school. They were surprised with a field trip to Sweet Pete’s to make candy and decorate their masterpiece. The best part? Sweet Pete’s is located inside the very building they designed!

“My class has been participating in the Gingerbread Extravaganza for 10 years,” said Drew Haramis, Third Grade Instructor. “When I run into former students, they always ask whether or not we still make a gingerbread house! It is a wonderful way for students to learn about and retain information about the history of our wonderful city.”

The finished gingerbread house will be on display at the Gingerbread Extravaganza from December 8 – 27, 2022 at Old St. Andrew’s Church, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. across the street from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Learn more here.