Herndon Career Center Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Mike Chrostowski was named ProStart Educator of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association (GKCRA).

The GKCRA ProStart Educator of the Year award recognizes an educator each year who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and passion, commitment and creativity in all aspects of the ProStart program to help their students make the most of the opportunities that ProStart offers.

“I was honestly shocked, to be in a room with so some many qualified instructors from around the metro and to hear my name was truly a humbling experience,” said Chef Chrostowski. “For me, the award is great and is a direct reflection of the students I have had the pleasure of teaching and this award is more for them than it is for me.”

Chef Chrostowski received the award at the GKCRA annual Gilbert/Robinson Leadership and Awards Dinner on Sept. 30.