The Idaho Potato Commission, along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education, selected culinary arts student Cassandra Coenen to receive the 2026 Student of the Year award. 

Food has always been at the core of how the Kendall College National Louis University student connects with her family, other cultures and the world community. What began as childhood curiosity and making a mess of her mother’s kitchen has grown into a lifelong commitment.

Throughout school, Coenen has made time to give back to her hometown community as well as her adopted Chicago home by volunteering for a fundraiser supporting food insecure people and serving meals for those in need at a nearby Jewish Temple. 

The culinary world excites Coenen as it blends her passion for service to others, chemistry, entrepreneurship, and creativity into one profession. After graduation, she plans to work in restaurants and bakeries to diversify her skills as well as build a network of foodservice partners. Her goal is to become a private chef.

The Student of the Year award provided a $1,000 prize and commemorative plaque. Coenen will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 Idaho Potato Harvest Tour to be held this September. 

Click here to go back to the 2026 CAFÉ award recipients list.