We note that schools in Maryland, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Georgia have been recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission as being exemplary, according to a press release from the commission.
A motion for a five-year exemplary approved grant of accreditation, to expire in June 2022, was made, seconded, and approved by unanimous consent of the ACFEF board for the following high school culinary arts programs:
- Easton High School in Easton, Maryland
- Erie County Technical School in Erie, Pennsylvania
- Rockdale Career Academy in Conyers, Georgia
- Technology Center of DuPage in Addison, Illinois
Attaining the exemplary status designation means the program has been in full compliance of the ACFEF standards on two consecutive certification visits.
“The culinary program at Easton High is top notch,” said Pam Clay, the curriculum supervisor for career and technology in Talbot County Public Schools, the district where Easton is located. “This honor would not be possible if it wasn’t for the hard work of the instructors, Linda Brown and Joseph Candel, as well as the culinary students. We are so proud of everyone who helped bring about this extraordinary accomplishment.”
Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon added, “Having been the superintendent in Talbot County when the program first started, I can personally testify to its quality.”
The program at Rockdale was originally created by Chefs Cathy Harris and Wes Goodman, who were praised for their leadership by both the CEO of Rockdale Career Academy and the superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools, The Rockdale Citizen reports.
“He is still vested in that program,” Rockdale County Superintendent Richard Autry said of Mr Goodman at a school board work session last month. “He built that program for years to what it is now … one of the premiere culinary programs in Georgia, if not the country.”
“We are incredibly proud of this award and the recognition of the excellence and quality RCA’s Culinary Arts program has maintained over the years,” Ms Harris said in a press release. “To be the first and only secondary education program in the state to be named an Exemplary Program by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation is a great accomplishment.”
Students at Rockdale recently had an opportunity to work with John Moeller, who served as White House Chef from 1992 to 2005 under both Bush administrations and the Clinton Administration. Mr Moeller and the students prepared hors d’oeuvres for an August 31 reception at a local event.
