Forsyth Boy Turns Mashburn Elementary Into Gingerbread House

CUMMING, GA — Clark Koepp went all out for his entry in Patch's first gingerbread house contest. He intricately designed and baked his house based on his school, Mashburn Elementary School.

"This is a 100% edible rendition of my school—Mashburn Elementary," Clark's entry submission said. "I used a combination of pre-made house kits, graham crackers, homemade sugar cookies, and candy."

Amy Koepp said Clark is a kindergarten student and very excited about school.

"He decorated a basic house at school but his little brother (5 yr) wanted to make one, too," Koepp said. "So I bought each boy a kit thinking they would want to create their own. Instead, they had the idea to put the 2 houses together and make their school (little brother is very eager to join big brother at the elementary soon). The boys came up with the idea, I helped implement it (I baked accessory cookies and made the icing/boys chose candy & colors and placement of candy). The idea to create the school was all theirs (including the playground, buses, and the school resource officer)."

The scene is set at the school, and complete with a Forsyth County Sheriff's Office deputy car, two school buses, an American flag, playground and more.

"Mashburn Elementary was named after the late Dr. Marcus Mashburn, Sr., who was a prominent local physician, senator and civic leader," the school's website says. "The school opened in 1976 to 250 students from Big Creek and Cumming elementary schools. At the time, this area was one of the fastest growing in the county because of the desire to live on the lake. It is built on land donated by Uni City through Billy Martin. Since its opening Mashburn Elementary has received four additions and renovations to its campus. Ms. Ruth Hopewell was the school’s first principal and was the first full-time female principal in the history of Forsyth County Schools."

Clark's gingerbread house is part of Patch's nationwide search for the most creative gingerbread house. Dec. 8 was the deadline for submitting entries. The winning entry will be announced Dec. 14; entrants will be able to see their gingerbread house featured on Patch and one winner will be selected to take home a Patch swag package and a $50 gift card.

Want to build your own gingerbread house just for fun? Here are some ideas to kick it off:

• Build it from scratch or use a pre-made kit
• Make it colorful or keep it classic
• Recreate a notable landmark or build your dream house
• Give your house a theme

Need some supplies? Check out what we recommend to get started!