In the bright and crisp Portland, Maine, early summer, culinary educators gathered for the first time in two years to learn about and celebrate all things culinary arts. A highlight at the annual CAFÉ Leadership Conference involved recognizing secondary and postsecondary instructors and one culinary student for their innovation, leadership, sustainability efforts, entrepreneurship, technological abilities and community outreach skills.

“This year’s honorees are a diverse and talented group of culinary instructors,” said Mary Petersen, CAFÉ president. “From a university professor working with large multinational foodservice operations to a high school instructor utilizing her students to help feed the food insecure, these instructors represent the best of culinary education. Congratulations to all the award winners.”

Each award is co-sponsored by CAFÉ and a foodservice industry partner. “Our industry sponsors help CAFÉ fulfill its mission to link culinary educators with the foodservice industry. Their thoughtful partnerships and tireless support are critical to CAFÉ’s success,” Petersen said.

Honorees received commemorative plaques, cash prizes and complimentary full registrations to attend the Leadership Conference.

Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Kathryn E. Mosher, Tri-County Career Center, Nelsonville, Ohio.
The honorable mention is Derrek Brown, Life Learning Academy, San Francisco.

Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Robert J. Stricklin, College of the Ozarks, Branson, Mo.
The honorable mention is Justin Kinziger, Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, Muskegon, Mich.

Inaugural Student of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
Gage Hess, Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, Muskegon, Mich.

Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University
The winner is Dr. Jonathan Deutsch and Drexel Food Lab, Drexel University, Philadelphia.
The honorable mention is Kim Youkstetter, Worcester Technical High School, Shrewsbury, Mass.

Green Award, co-sponsored by United Soybean Board
The winner is Bren Nimmo, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee, Okla.

Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The winner is Jamie LeRoux, Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, Muskegon, Mich.
The honorable mention is R. Earl Frederick, Jr., Clark College, Vancouver, Wash.

Technology Award co-sponsored by RATIONAL
The winner is Evelyn Sussman, Private Institution, Pittsburgh, Penn.

CAFÉ Champion Award
The winner is Dr. Fred Mayo, retired clinical professor of hotel and tourism management at New York University and principal of Mayo Consulting Services.