The Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) announced the 2023 Culinary Education Award recipients. Eight 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. Mercer Culinary also received special recognition for its support of culinary educators.

“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. “From a college professor shepherding a successful $147,000 grant for a mobile kitchen to a high school instructor who successfully taught the latest culinary technology and its benefits, these educators represent the best in culinary education. 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 2023 Leadership Conference held in Charleston, S.C.

The 2023 Culinary Education Award recipients are:

Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Warren Leigh, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, Mass.
The honorable mention is Jamie LaRoux Sowa, Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College, Muskegon, Mich.

Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Mary Levinski, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Sauk Rapids, Minn.

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

Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University
The winner is Elizabeth DeRose, Frederick Community College’s Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute, Frederick, Md.

Green Award, co-sponsored by United Soybean Board
The winners are Maureen LaSalle and Anthony Poulin, Southern Maine Community College, South Portland, Maine.

Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The winner is Candace Wilson, Westlake High School, Salem, Utah.
The runner up winner is Warren Leigh, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, Mass.

Technology Award, co-sponsored by RATIONAL
The winner is Chris Webber, Alpharetta High School, Alpharetta, Ga.

CAFÉ Champion Award
The winner is Mercer Culinary.