The Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education announced the 2026 Culinary Education Award recipients. Nine 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. Michael Carmel, Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, 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 2026 Leadership Conference held this summer in Chicago.
The 2026 Culinary Education Award recipients are:
Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Sara Johannes, Saint Paul College, St. Paul, Minn.
Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Monica Millburn, Orem High School, West Provo, Utah.
Student of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission
The winner is Cassandra Coenen, Kendall College at National Louis University, Chicago.
Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University
The winner is Katie Mosher, Tri-County Career Center, Nelsonville, Ohio.
Green Award, co-sponsored by National Pork Board
The winner is Phil Cropper, Worcester Technical High School, Ocean Pines, Md.
Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The winner is Emily Willardson, Wasatch High School, Herber, Utah.
Technology Award co-sponsored by RATIONAL USA
The winner is Christopher Bates, Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School, Apopka, Fla.
Sustainability sponsored by US Soy
The winner is John Robinson, Southwestern Community College, Sylvia, N.C.
Innovation sponsored by Real California Milk
The winner is Tracy Carter, Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, Mass.
CAFÉ Champion Award
The winner is Michael Carmel, Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, Charleston, S.C.