ROWAN COUNTY — A couple of Rowan-Salisbury Schools students captured second place at the Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread Contest.

Callie Caldwell, a first grader at Millbridge Elementary School and Remy Quantz, a first grader at Rockwell Elementary School, took home the silver medal for their work. Their house has been on display this month and will remain through the New Year.

In addition to the recognition, Caldwell and Quantz also won $350.

The pair’s great grandmothers, Juanita Ayers and Frankie Echerd, who just turned 95, were sisters. Their grandmothers are first cousins and their moms are best friends.

They have been working on gingerbread construction almost every Sunday afternoon since Labor Day. It is like a marble run but with gum balls. Everything has to be edible so lots of gingerbread, Rice Krispie treats, fondant (penguins) and royal icing which holds things together.

“I have been doing gingerbread with my Corriher-Lipe and South Rowan students and grands for many years,” said Sharon Edwards, Callie’s grandmother. “Moms, Candice Caldwell and Jenny Quantz competed one year as adults.

“This year, the moms guided the children which sometimes was a challenge. The moms were exhausted from trying to keep them motivated and on task. I just provided the tools, place, some old candy, etc. and extra clean up.”

Last year, the children had an octopus that placed top 10.