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,” says 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: Sara Johannes, Saint Paul College, St. Paul, Minn.
- Secondary Educator of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission: Monica Millburn, Orem High School, West Provo, Utah.
- Student of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Idaho Potato Commission: Cassandra Coenen, Kendall College at National Louis University, Chicago.
- Entrepreneurship Award, co-sponsored by Kendall College National Louis University: Katie Mosher, Tri-County Career Center, Nelsonville, Ohio.
- Green Award, co-sponsored by National Pork Board: Phil Cropper, Worcester Technical High School, Ocean Pines, Md.
- Community Outreach Award, co-sponsored by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts: Emily Willardson, Wasatch High School, Herber, Utah.
- Technology Award, co–sponsored by RATIONAL USA: Christopher Bates, Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School, Apopka, Fla.
- Sustainability Award, sponsored by US Soy: John Robinson, Southwestern Community College, Sylvia, N.C.
- Innovation Award, sponsored by Real California Milk: Tracy Carter, Holyoke CommunitPopup Themesy College, Holyoke, Mass.
- CAFÉ Champion Award: Michael Carmel, Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Technical College, Charleston, S.C.
About the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ)
Founded in 2002, CAFÉ’s mission is to link culinary educators with the foodservice industry. The organization provides up-to-date resources to foodservice educators who are training students for vibrant, fulfilling careers in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. CAFÉ supports the unique needs of highly specialized professionals who wear two hats as culinarians and educators through its online magazine, The Gold Medal Classroom, free digital resources such as CAFÉ Talks Podcast and Coffee with CAFÉ webinars, as well as national outreach events. For more information, visit our website: CafeMeetingPlace.com.
