Diane Ryberg, a teacher at Eau Claire North High School in Wisconsin, was awarded the James H. Maynard Excellence in Education Award, which recognizes excellence in foodservice education and dedication to the ProStart® program. The ProStart program, administered by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, is a college prep, two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.  Ryberg was one of only two teachers who were honored with this national award.  This is the first time a teacher from Wisconsin has won the Maynard Excellence in Education Award.  Ryberg joins an elite group of only ten teachers nationwide who have received this award since its inception.

The James H. Maynard Excellence in Education Award was established in 2003 to commemorate Golden Corral's 30th anniversary and to honor James H. Maynard, Golden Corral chairman and co-founder. Each year the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, in conjunction with Golden Corral Corporations, honors two ProStart teachers with a $5,000 award to their school’s ProStart program.

“Diane Ryberg is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who gives so much to her students and the foodservice industry,” said Susan Quam, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation.  “She brings enormous talent, experience and passion for the restaurant industry into her classroom each day and inspires students to follow their talents and dreams.  Diane has also inspired many new teachers and is a wonderful mentor to other ProStart teachers.”   A graduate of UW-Stout with B.S., M.S., and Ed.S degrees, Ryberg has been an educator for over 30 years.

Along with her involvement at school, Ryberg is also very involved with the Family, Career & Community Leaders of America where she serves as an advisor and the Wisconsin Family and Consumer Educators organization where she served as president and was the recipient of the 2003 Distinguished Educator award.

ProStart is a college prep, food service career-building program that blends both classroom learning and work experience.  The ProStart program is so important to the foodservice industry because it helps inspire students to pursue a foodservice career and helps them to develop the skills they will need to succeed.  When ProStart students meet academic standards, complete a checklist of competencies, and participate in at least 400 hours of a mentored work experience, they are awarded the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement that signifies they are well qualified to enter the industry workforce and receive up 12 college credits. 

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Founded in 1987, the WRA Education Foundation is one of the largest state restaurant association foundations in the U.S. It strives to create a promising future for the foodservice industry by raising awareness of foodservice as a professional career path, providing ongoing training and education for foodservice professionals and serving as a state leader on food safety and sanitation.