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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
March 31, 2008
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517/377-3931 |
Julie Ivan of Freeland wins 2008 MRA Teacher of the Year Award
LANSING, Mich. – Julie Ivan, teacher of the Culinary and Hospitality Management program at the Saginaw Career Complex in Saginaw, was named by the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) as the winner of the annual Teacher of the Year Award.
Ivan was honored by the MRA Educational Support Foundation at its annual state competition for high school students who participate in hospitality education and management training courses at schools across the state. Ivan, the Saginaw program’s teacher since 1985, has been involved with the MRA ProStart® program since 2004. The ProStart® curriculum is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the culinary and high-level management skills needed for a career in the hospitality industry.
“Our industry continually stresses the need for an educated, well-trained, and qualified work force, and Julie Ivan is proof of how a top-notch teacher can have a profound impact on the success of her students,” said Rob Gifford, president and chief executive officer of the MRA. “It’s important that we reach out to students and provide them with the skills and tools they will need to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”
Ivan was selected as the winner of this year’s award by her peers, teachers who also participate in the ProStart® curriculum.
Under the leadership of Ivan, the Culinary and Hospitality Management program has become one of the most popular programs at the Saginaw Career Complex, with a waiting list of students who want to enroll in the class.
In addition to her teaching duties, Julie has been active in the Midland County 4-H Clubs. In 2004, she was named the Midland County 4-H Leader of the Year. In March of 2007, she received the Gleaner’s Foundation Community Service Award.
Julie and her husband Timothy have three children: Erin, 23; Michelle, 18; and Matthew, 14.
The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 423,000 people and creating more than $12.8 billion in annual sales. For more information please call 800-968-9668.
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