Kelly Biggs of Southwestern Randolph receives 2017 Educator of Excellence Award

The teacher was recognized at the 2017 NC ProStart Invitational for the state’s top high school culinary students

Raleigh, N.C. (March 28, 2017) – The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA), the voice of North Carolina’s $22 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry, today announced that Kelly Biggs of Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro has won the 2017 Educator of Excellence award. Biggs was recognized at the 2017 North Carolina ProStart Invitational (NCPI) Presented by Golden Corral, a high-stakes culinary arts and restaurant management competition for students enrolled in ProStart, a national two-year high school program that develops future restaurant industry leaders.

From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. By bringing industry and classroom together, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. It all happens through a curriculum that teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

“ProStart unites the industry and the classroom to recreate a unique and unparalleled experience for students. Our dedicated ProStart educators statewide are making a difference every day, channeling young people to consider their future in the restaurant and foodservice industry – the second largest private sector employer in our nation’s economy,” said Lynn Minges, president and CEO, NCRLA.

“Kelly is a rock star in the classroom,” Minges continued. “She is committed to excellence in education and genuinely cares about her students. She works to make sure they succeed in the classroom and in life. We are proud to honor her with this award.”

The 2017 NCPI took place March 17 at The Chef’s Academy in Morrisville. High school students from across North Carolina put their skills to the test in front of industry leaders, family and friends with the hopes to earn a coveted scholarship to top culinary schools across the country. South Caldwell High School took home the top culinary award while Cary High School placed first in management. Both teams will advance to the prestigious National ProStart Invitational in Charleston, South Carolina, April 28-30.

The culinary competition highlighted each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and without access to running water or electricity. The culinary teams are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation. The management competition requires management teams to develop a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept and present it to the panel of industry judges. Students must communicate their entrepreneurial ideas clearly and use their problem-solving skills to solve challenges faced by managers daily.

The program is utilized in more than 1,700 high schools in 50 states, Guam and on U.S. military bases and reaches nearly 100,000 secondary students annually. Many post-secondary schools in the nation recognize ProStart’s Certificate of Achievement, which is awarded to students who complete both levels of the program and at least 400 hours of work experience, and reward them with scholarship and credits. The state competition continues to expand, with a 40 percent increase in schools participating than last year.

Biggs will be honored at the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation Educator of Excellence Dinner in Chicago on May 18.

About NCRLA 
Established in 1947, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) works to advance and protect North Carolina’s $23.5 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. The association provides access to the resources and support restaurant and lodging professionals need to lead thriving businesses, while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit www.ncrla.org.

# # #

Media Contact:

Jen Caro
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of NCRLA)
jennifer@largemouthpr.com
919-459-6456