Student from Triton College Competes in Competition for National “Greatest Baker 2025” Title

Triton College baking student Luis “Edgar” Ki has recently entered an online national contest for the title of The Greatest Baker 2025 and a chance to win $10,000. If he wins, Ki plans to open up an accessible, community-centered cake business employing Deaf staff.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College baking student Luis “Edgar” Ki of Maywood is competing in an online national contest for the title of The Greatest Baker 2025, facing off against bakers from across the country for a chance to win $10,000 and have his work featured in Bake from Scratch magazine.

Ki joined Triton College’s Hospitality, Industry and Administration (HIA) program this summer, but his love of baking began at age 4, when he developed a passion for creating sweet treats.

Ki said his mission is to craft desserts that inspire — infused with precision, passion and creativity. He has always enjoyed watching baking competitions and seeing contestants bring out their best to showcase their work. Now, presented with the chance to show what he’s capable of in a kitchen, it’s a dream come true.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I really love competitions and challenges, and I’ve always wanted to check off that experience for myself, so I’m just excited to be a part of this,” said Ki through an interpreter.

For Ki, baking is more than preparing a delicious dessert — it’s a meaningful form of expression.

“The thing that’s really inspirational for me, as a Deaf person, is that communication can sometimes be hard because I feel like I can’t connect with the hearing world in the same way that others do,” he said. “But when I’m baking, it’s something that I can just do with my hands and it doesn’t require communication. I can express myself through my baking, and that’s what I really love about it.”

Among his signature creations is a lemon pie featuring a bright, silky curd in a shatter-crisp butter crust, crowned with lightly torched meringue. When paired with coffee or milk, Ki said, it’s irresistible.

Supporters can vote for Edgar now through Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 9 p.m. CST by visiting his competition webpage. Voters may cast one free vote daily or contribute additional votes through donations that benefit the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. Each donated dollar counts as one vote.

If selected as The Greatest Baker 2025, Ki said he plans to upgrade his home kitchen with professional tools and invest in building an accessible, community-centered cake business employing Deaf staff. His vision includes visual menus, captioning, basic ASL communication and eco-friendly packaging.

###

Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 12,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of The Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.