The Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) announced the 2024 Culinary Education Award recipients. Ten secondary and postsecondary culinary instructors and one culinary student were recognized at CAFÉ’s Leadership Conference for their leadership, sustainability efforts, entrepreneurship, technological abilities and community outreach. Dr. Jonathan Deutsch also received special recognition for his contribution to CAFÉ and belief in the importance of education for the next generation of hospitality career seekers.

“I was proud of the quality leadership and top-notch commitment to culinary education exhibited by this year’s honorees,” said Mary Petersen, CAFÉ president. “Congratulations to all the award winners.”

Each award was 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 CAFÉ’s June 2024 Leadership Conference held in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2024 Culinary Education Award recipients are:

Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Michael L Carmel CEC, CCE, Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, S.C.

Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Christopher Bates, Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School, Apopka, Fla.

Student of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Jennie Huynh, Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, Muskegon, Mich.

Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University
The winner is Emily Willardson, Wasatch High School, Heber, Utah.
The runner up is Desmond Keefe, Rowan College at Burlington County, Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Green Award, co-sponsored by United Soybean Board
The winner is Robert Perillo, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York.
The runner up is Judy Eldred, Opelika High School, Opelika, Ala.

Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The winner is Peter Walsh, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, Neb.
The runner up is R. Troy Wilson, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah.

Technology Award co-sponsored by RATIONAL USA
The winner is Sara Johannes, St Paul College, St. Paul, Minn.

CAFÉ Champion Award
The winner is Dr. Jonathan Deutsch, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa.