Ana Plana is a culinary arts instructor and department chair at MAST Academy in Key Biscyane, Florida. For 11 years, Chef Plana has managed all aspects of the student-run catering business. Which, by the way, serves over 36 events per year. She also develops and teaches all levels of the school’s culinary curriculum to more than 200 students each year. In fact, she opted to forgo two contractual planning periods instead planning on her own time – before and after school and on weekends. Her colleagues commented about her infinite patience, knowledge and teaching eagerness. She is a ServSafe certification proctor and last year attended a Teacher Institute, which saw her spend two weeks at Stone Barns Center’s farm exploring food’s relationship to culture, the environment and social justice. She also created a unique partnership with a local CSA where parents can purchase a share of local produce, which is picked up a MAST Academy. Parents can donate a share of the produce to the culinary program. Students in turn are educated as to what is in season and regularly visit the farm to plant and harvest and continue their food education.