Judy Achary of Lakeshore High School named 2015 LRAEF ProStart® Educator of the Year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) has named Judy Achary of Lakeshore High School as its 2015 ProStart^® Educator of the Year.

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.

Achary, Lakeshore’s ProStart instructor since the school’s opening in 2009, was bestowed the honor during a special, surprise ceremony at the school, February 10, 2015.

2015 LRAEF Chair Lenny Raymond, Principal Dr. Jeanne
Wagner, Judy Achary, LRAEF ProStart Manager
Jennifer Jeansonne &  Executive Director Alice Glenn. 

“ProStart is so important to my students,” said Achary. “I always tell them that I’m teaching them real life skills. They can use what they are learning in class and apply it not only to a future career, but also in their everyday life.”

Under Achary’s direction, Lakeshore High School’s ProStart team won first place in the culinary competition at last year’s Louisiana Seafood ProStart Student Invitational and went on to represent the state proudly at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn. Lakeshore will defend its title at the 2015 competition, March 3-4, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Achary also has the distinction of guiding 100 percent of her students to achieving the ProStart Certificate of Achievement.

“While we have many talented ProStart educators, Judy stood out as a most worthy choice for this year’s award,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Judy understands the importance of the curriculum and shares that knowledge with her students in a caring and enjoyable environment.”

Achary will travel to Chicago in May to be honored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation as a nominee for the national ProStart Educator of Excellence Award.

The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 636-6526.

The LRAEF is grateful to the nine LRA chapters and its LRAEF sponsors: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Seafood and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Camellia Brand, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association and Whole Foods Market.