ROME — Local baker and John E. Joy Elementary School Principal James Daino has made it to the Top 15 in the ongoing Bake from Scratch magazine’s Greatest Baker competition for 2022.

Now, the cutoff for online voting for the Top 10 is at 10 p.m. this Thursday. At press time, Daino was second in his group.

One competitor will take home the title of the 2022 Greatest Baker, along with a $10,000 prize and a feature article in Bake From Scratch magazine. If he wins, Daino said he plans to use that money to finance the writing of a cookbook in memory of his mother Rose, his main inspiration.

Daino said he appreciates all of the support he has received in the competition and said it inspires him, not just as a baker but in everything he does.

"I am overwhelmed by the tremendous response to voting daily for me," he said. "I am very grateful for everyone's support, so much so it's making me bake more than ever before. It's really motivating me in all areas of my life."

The contest is virtual and all voting is conducted online.

To cast a vote, visit www.bit.ly/3tgVG3x