On Friday, February 18 at 11:30, Paulette Emberson of Waunakee High School will be honored as Wisconsin’s ProStart Teacher of the Year. On hand for the award presentation at the high school will be Emberson’s students, school leaders, and members of the local restaurant community.

The award recognizes exceptional educators who use the ProStart program in their classrooms. Developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) in partnership with state restaurant associations in 45 states, the ProStart curriculum prepares high school students for the job market and higher education through coursework, work experience, credentials and scholarships. There are currently more than 45,000 students nationwide participating in this program.

Emberson was nominated for the award by Wisconsin ProStart coordinator Tricia Weisheipl.

“Paulette is exceptional because she gives her class a true glimpse of the hospitality industry,” says Weisheipl. “That includes hard work and practical skills. Her students are learning what it takes to succeed in the real world, whether or not they ultimately choose hospitality as a career.”

Emberson began working with the ProStart curriculum in 2003 in her newly remodeled classroom and lab. She keeps her knowledge and skills up-to-date by participating in ProStart-sponsored teacher training. Emberson encourages her students to participate in the program’s annual, statewide culinary competition. Last year, one of Emberson’s students received a scholarship from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Award recipients receive an all expense-paid trip to the 86th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago where they will be recognized at a special event on Saturday, May 21.

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ProStart is a program of the non-profit Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The program works with schools statewide to promote education and career opportunities in the hospitality industry.