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Martha Humphreys
recognized for outstanding contribution
to developing the future of the restaurant
and foodservice industry
Demonstrating
its strong commitment to future workforce
development, the Oregon Restaurant Education
Foundation (OREF) announced the 2006
recipient of its Oregon Inspirational Leader
Award. Local educator Martha Humphreys of
Willamette High School in Eugene was selected
as this year’s winner. The award is
given annually to an outstanding teacher
in the statewide ProStart hospitality school
to career program.
 “Teachers
like Martha demonstrate that restaurants
are the cornerstone of career and employment
opportunities and have an enormous impact
on the future of our industry,” said
Sharon Lingenfelter, Executive Director
of OREF. “We are proud to recognize
the efforts of teachers who are so committed
to their students and have been vital in
making our ProStart program a success,”
The Inspirational Leader
Award recognizes an exceptional Oregon teacher
who uses the ProStart program in their classroom,
and serves as an outstanding leader to students,
high school staff and administration as
well as hospitality industry members. Developed
by the National Restaurant Association Educational
Foundation in partnership with restaurant
associations in 45 states, territories and
districts, the ProStart program prepares
high school students for the job market
and higher education through coursework,
work experience, credentials and scholarships.
There are currently more than 53,000 students
participating in this program nationally
and here in Oregon, 36 high schools are
involved with 1800 students taking the curriculum.
At Willamette High School,
Humphreys has seen the program grow. “It
is very fulfilling as a teacher to see how
much students learn from the ProStart curriculum,”
she said. “I am very confident that
when I recommend students to employment
opportunities, I know these students represent
Willamette High School and ProStart well.”
Humphreys has taught ProStart
at Willamette High School for seven years
and was one of the original instructors
for the program when it was in the pilot
phase. Since then, she has sent four Culinary
and Management teams to the state competition
and in 2004, Willamette High School won
first place at the state championship and
traveled to Orlando, Florida to compete
in the national contest.
As the Oregon award
recipient, Humphreys receives an all expense-paid
trip to the 87th annual National Restaurant
Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
in Chicago where she will be recognized
at a special event on Saturday, May 20.
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