Culinary Arts teacher Chef Peter Desmond from Questar III’s Columbia-Greene Educational Center (CGEC) was recently honored with the ProStart Educator Excellence Award.
Chef Desmond receiving the ProStart Educator Excellence Award.
Recipients of the award are recognized as exceptional educators who demonstrate a strong commitment to the ProStart program, their students and the restaurant industry.
“It’s an honor and very humbling. I learn every day from my students,” said Desmond. “The greatest reward is to watch the students bloom with confidence throughout the two year program. Whether they decide to stay in the industry or not, the program provides them with the confidence to continue in their life and stand on their own two feet.
CGEC co-principal Jake Stomieroski is pleased that Desmond is being recognized for his hard work.
“We are proud of Chef Desmond and the opportunities he gives our students. They learn valuable skills from a dedicated teacher,” said Stomieroski.
Questar II’s award-winning Culinary Arts program teaches students the management and culinary skills needed for a career in the hospitality industry, including classroom study, lab work, mentored work experiences, and the opportunity to test their skills in competitions. The curriculum is based on ProStart, supported by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
ProStart is a national, two-year high school program that brings together the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. As part of the ProStart Program, students apply what they learn in the classroom on the job, in real-world restaurant operations, they work with industry mentors and they learn the skills that are essential to the industry.
