Chris Cornell
St.Lawrence-Lewis BOCES
When did you realize you had a passion for the hospitality industry?
I was a culinary arts student in high school, and have always had a love for the industry.
What made you decide to become an educator?
I have been in education for 35 years, in various roles. The last 7 as the Culinary Arts teacher. I have a passion for learning, both for myself and my students. A desire to make a difference and play a role in guiding students in academic and personal growth. I find joy in guiding students through challenges, celebrating their achievements, and building lasting relationships.
What is the biggest benefit in participating in the National ProStart program?
ProStart allows me the opportunity to stay current trends, do professional development, and make industry connections. It also allows students to shine in creativity during competitions, gives them scholarship opportunities and a chance to make connections and friendships with students around the state.
What do you consider the most creative thing you have done to engage your students?
My students are required to complete a senior project for graduation. I have developed a food truck project that allows the students to use many of the concepts they have learned through the ProStart curriculum, from marketing, menu planning, layout, creating recipes, recipe costing, equipment ordering, and more. This allows the students to show me what they have learned, and they take great pride and ownership in their designs. We actually build food truck facades that the students design, set up and sell their menu items.
What does receiving the Educator of the Year award mean to you?
It symbolizes that my dedication, effort, and passion for teaching have been noticed and appreciated. It’s a reminder that the time and energy I put into creating a positive impact on my students’ lives doesn’t go unnoticed. It reflects the meaningful difference I make in the lives of my students—helping them learn, grow, and find success. It’s a celebration of the relationships I’ve built, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the progress I’ve guided my students through.
Chris Cosgrove
The Community High School of Vermont
When did you realize you had a passion for the hospitality industry?
My first job in college was delivering pizzas. It didn’t take long before I was making the pizzas and soon running the restaurant. Almost 30 years later, I get just as excited to put the apron on than when I was a kid. I love creating relationships and experiences for customers that I have interacted with for years.
What made you decide to become an educator?
I wanted to be a coach, and teaching went hand in hand with coaching.
What is the biggest benefit in participating in the National ProStart program?
Having an accredited program that is recognized in the real world is a huge benefit for my students, many of whom have gone on to work in the field and have led successful and productive lives. My students have gone on to work in kitchens throughout Vermont.
What do you consider the most creative thing you have done to engage your students?
Working in a correctional facility, it can be hard to make the curriculum applicable to my students, so I have to be engaging. When I was a younger teacher, once a month we used to put on a special themed meal for the correctional officers. It gave my students a chance to simulate fine dining, and the staff loved having a delicious meal instead of the usual chow that they are served.
What does receiving the Educator of the Year award mean to you?
This award was a validation for not only the hard work that I have done, but where I am going to take this program in the future.
