Alums “Making a Difference” Lia Weber December Trinity Class of 2008 “I loved Trinity. It really helped shape me into the person I am today,’’ explained Lia Weber, 2008 Trinity graduate and winner of TLC’s NEXT GREAT BAKER! “Trinity prepared me for college and for life.” At Trinity Lia played softball, basketball, soccer, and ran track, in addition to taking part in other extra curricular activities. She also took cooking classes with Mrs. Petrowske, which she says helped her realize she had a passion for cooking and baking. After graduating from Trinity in 2008, Lia went on to Fontbonne University. She said it was an easy transition for her because its small size reminded her of Trinity. The teachers at Fontbonne knew her name and who she was, just like at Trinity. As if the challenge of earning a Business degree at Fontbonne was not enough, Lia also took classes at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park at the same time. There she earned an Associates Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. She was taking 30 credit hours a semester and working 2 jobs! Somehow, she says she was still able to manage a social life too. Lia worked at Wedding Wonderland Cake Shop in Florissant and at Hendel’s Market Café also in Florissant. She also spent time as an Assistant Pastry Chef at Eclipse in the Moonrise Hotel located in the Delmar Loop. Today she is still working at Hendel’s Market Café, and has her own on-line business called Made. By Lia. In early February 2014, Lia was offered the chance of a lifetime. TLC chose her and her partner Al Watson, to fly to New York and compete in the reality baking show, The Next Great Baker! They both graciously accepted and took off to New York with full suitcases and full of excitement. After the filming was over, Lia had to keep the outcome a secret. Her brother in-law and sister Christina(1999 Rosary graduate) who run and own Hendel’s allowed her to have showings at the restaurant every week. Many people came every week as Lia continued to make it past each round. The finale night came and the streets were filled with people, live music, food, drinks, and a huge screen projector. Everyone watched intently as the judging began. Finally it was announced that Lia and her partner Al, were the Next Great Bakers! She said she was full of emotions on the show. As she opened the door to Buddy’s Bakery to discover if her and Al won, she was welcomed with a surprise greeting from her parents, siblings, and now fiancé. In addition to the cash prize of $100,000 that Lia and Al split, the duo also won an opportunity to work at Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro’s bakery in Las Vegas. Instead, Lia plans on taking her earnings and finding a location to achieve her dream of opening a Made. By Lia shop in the North County area. But excitement never stops for the Next Great Baker. In July she became engaged to Max Holter and is looking forward to planning a wedding next year and enjoying married life in St. Louis.