Another member of the East Providence Career & Technical Center Culinary faculty along with a student were recently recognized by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association at its 30th annual “Stars of the Industry: awards ceremony held at Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln.

Chef Marie-Claire McKillip and pupil Nayelie Viera received their respective 2019 ProStart Teacher and Student of the Year awards. It’s the second year in a row an EPCTC culinary instructor has been noted by the RIHA. Chef Bill Walker was chosen as the R.I. Hospitality Association’s Education Foundation Teacher of the Year for 2018.

Chef McKillip previously led a Davies Career and Technical High School team to the ProStart nationals and has been instrumental in guiding EPCTC teams there more recently. Viera is a two-time ProStart state champion in the food service management competition and was among an EPCTC team to vie at nationals.

According to its literature, ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.