September 25, 2015 – Burlington, IA – Burlington High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and ProStart Educator Mary Smith has been awarded the National and Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Educator of Excellence Award. She was recognized at an awards ceremony at The Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines on September 24^th. The award distinguishes exceptional educators who utilize the ProStart program in their classrooms. ProStart is a two-year career-building program which blends classroom learning with mentored work experience to teach high school students the management and culinary skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

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Iowa Restaunant Association Education Foundation The Iowa Restaurant Association Education Foundation works to advance professionalism and career opportunities in the hospitality industry through education, scholarships, and community involvement. The IRAEF serves as the charitable arm of the Iowa Restaurant Association.   Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454