The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is proud to announce that NRAEF ProStart alumna Jazmin Eck was recently awarded a full scholarship to California Culinary Academy where she plans to begin her education in September. Eck was chosen for the scholarship while attending the 25th Annual NRAEF Salute to Excellence awards held on May 21, 2011.
"The ProStart program unites industry and the classroom to create life-changing opportunities for students," says Lynette McKee, executive director of the NRAEF. "This was brought to life at Salute to Excellence when Jazmin networked with key industry leadership from across the country and received this incredible opportunity to further her education and career development with our partners at Le Cordon Bleu."
Eck is applying her scholarship to a 12-month Baking & Pâtisserie certificate program at Le Cordon Bleu's San Francisco campus, California Culinary Academy. Eck recently graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport, California, and is a member of the culinary team that won first place at the 10th Annual National ProStart Invitational.
At the 25th Annual Salute to Excellence, ProStart students took center stage at the event that gathers more than 500 industry leaders to kick off the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show. During the opening reception, both National ProStart Invitational management and culinary winning teams mingled with guests to celebrate the industry and showcase their talents.
"When I met Jazmin at Salute to Excellence, I knew immediately that she would thrive as a Le Cordon Bleu student," says Ferdinand Metz, executive dean and chairman of the LCB National Advisory Board and certified master chef. "Her passion for culinary arts and dedication to furthering her education are inspiring. I look forward to watching her education progress and will be proud to call her a Le Cordon Bleu alumna."
As a supporter of the ProStart program for the past 10 years, Le Cordon Bleu is dedicated to helping the ProStart program foster the passion and education of those looking to pursue opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industries.
