By Jo Mathis / AAPS
A2 STEAM eighth grader Leland Jackson, 13, says the best part about being part of the upcoming new season of the Food Network’s “Kids Baking Championship” was the friends he made among fellow competitors.
Another good memory: Learning he was selected as one of the 12 contestants prior to the July 2022 filming in Knoxville, Tenn. His family was with him when he heard the news, and got so excited—they broke the couch.
Leland, of course, is not allowed to say how far he progressed on the show, which debuts Jan. 1 at 8 p.m. and focuses on challenges “inspired by the best parts of the school year.”
Leland can say the experience was unforgettable and he would encourage others to try out for it.
“The hardest thing was most definitely leaving,” he said of the competition. “It was like saying goodbye to family almost.”
“I’m just really proud of him and his hard work,” said his mother, Sarah Jackson, noting that the experience has bolstered Leland’s self-confidence. “I was very happy to see that he found a place where he could see that he is a really cool kid.”
Leland didn’t make it onto the show the first year he applied. But that didn’t deter him.
“That next year he baked, baked, baked,” said his mother. “He learned. He grew. He was able to start baking completely independently, not needing me at all. And he was baking really cool things like macaroons and cakes and pies and tarts. And he just wanted to keep going.”
Then he applied for the show again, was interviewed, demonstrated his baking skills, and was accepted.
Leland, the son of Sarah and Grant Jackson, has three siblings: Edwin, a Skyline ninth grader, and Amelia and Benedict, who are in the fifth and first grades at A2 STEAM.
This 12th season of the show is hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman and comes with a whole new culinary curriculum for its young contestants.
Per Food Network’s description for “Kids Baking Championship” Season 12: “Throughout the ten-episode competition, the young bakers must create the latest dessert trends and most popular sweets in difficult challenges with a school twist. From picture day portrait cakes to blondies that celebrate the most popular recess game, hopscotch, and to cafeteria lunch dessert imposters, they must showcase their baking knowledge by making the most delicious and visually stunning treats imaginable.”
On the premiere episode, the 12 contestants will make cakes in honor of school picture day, which must have an edible photo on top along with emoji designs that showcase each baker’s hobbies.
The winning baker will win a $25,000 grand prize, a spot in Food Network Magazine, and the title of Kids Baking Champion.
In addition to Leland, “Kids Baking Championship” Season 12 competitors include: Andy Coyle (Redwood City, CA; age 11), Levi Dubner (Boca Raton, FL; age 13), Anaiah Hodges (Manvel, TX; age 10), Jaime Lee (Yorktown, VA; age 11), Madison Lendor (Monroe, NY; age 10), Henry Muranaka (Bountiful, UT; age 11), Tasi Savage (Kona, HI; age 12), Lila Smethurst (San Antonio, TX; age 11), Elsie Stark (Abilene, TX; age 9), Oscar Stowell (Ross, CA; age 12) and Camryn Williams (Charlotte, NC; age 11).
