Lake Geneva, WI – Russ Tronsen of Badger High School has been honored as Wisconsin’s ProStart Teacher of the Year by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) for his outstanding contribution to developing the future of the restaurant and foodservice industry. The award recognizes exceptional educators who use the ProStart® program in their classrooms.

Developed by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation in partnership with state restaurant associations in 45 states, ProStart is a career-building program that blends both classroom learning and work experience. It includes a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Tronsen was nominated for the award by Wisconsin ProStart coordinator Tricia Weisheipl. “Russ is extremely dedicated to the ProStart program and the culinary profession. He motivates and inspires his students and has shown exceptional commitment to working with members of the restaurant industry to provide a well-rounded experience for his students,” said Weisheipl.

Tronsen has been working with the ProStart program for the past 6 years. He is the president of the Wisconsin Family and Consumer Educators, serves on the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Directors, and is an active member of the American Culinary Federation Geneva Lakes Chapter. Tronsen encourages his students to participate in the annual ProStart Student Invitational, a statewide culinary and management competition, and has taken a team to the competition for 5 years. Tronsen currently has 4 students who are working toward the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement.

“We are proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of teachers who have been vital in making our ProStart program a true success,” said Mary M. Adolf, president and chief operating officer of the NRAEF. “Teachers like Tronsen demonstrate how restaurants are the cornerstone of career-and-employment opportunities and have an enormous impact on the future of our industry.”

As an award recipient, Tronsen will receive an all expense-paid trip to the 87th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago where he will be recognized at a special event on Saturday, May 20.

Currently 51 schools and over 1400 students in Wisconsin participate in the ProStart program. For more information on the Wisconsin ProStart program, call Tricia Weisheipl at (800) 589-3211.

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ProStart is a program of the non-profit Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Education Foundation. The program works with schools statewide
to promote education and career opportunities in the hospitality industry.