The South Dakota Retailers Association has named LaKisha Jordan of T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre as the 2024 ProStart State Educator of Excellence.
Chef J, as she’s commonly known as by many, received the award for her outstanding achievement in culinary and restaurant management education.
“Cultivating culinary curiosity is not just about teaching recipes, it’s about sparking a lifelong passion for flavor exploration. As a ProStart culinary arts instructor, I believe in igniting that curiosity within my students.”
ProStart Coordinator Seanna Regynski says Jordan embodies ProStart’s mission of combining real-world experience and industry partnership by regularly taking her students to outside-of-school-time experiences, including catering events and hosting cooking classes.
“Industry connection and student involvement in the community are just two of the many things she excels in with her culinary program. The opportunities she provides her students are unmatched, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Chef Jordan, who teaches Family and Consumer Sciences courses, is now a finalist for the National Educator of Excellence Awards.
ProStart is a nationwide high school curriculum administered by the Retailers Association in South Dakota. Currently, students from 22 South Dakota high schools participate in the hands-on learning in the classroom as well as mentored work experiences focusing on culinary and restaurant management skills.
Comments