ProStart Wisconsin

🎉 TOP 10 BABY! Out of 48 teams, Team Wisconsin Culinary & Management both landed 10th place - and we couldn’t be more THRILLED! These teams are the real deal. Congratulations to the students, educators and mentors! 💚💙

Grab your front-row seat from anywhere and tune in TODAY at 3:15 PM for the Opening Ceremonies livestream! 📽️

The energy in Baltimore is through the roof as teams from across the country gear up for the ultimate culinary and management showdown. Tune in: https://bit.ly/4atbTq0

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation is thrilled to announce our 2026 ProStart Educator of the Year, Mrs. Emily Sonnemann of Madison East High School.

With 16 years of service across Madison, Monona Grove, and Minneapolis schools, Mrs. Sonnemann is a true visionary in culinary education. Her incredible impact includes:

- Community Impact: Transforming the "Food4U Market" at Madison East, distributing up to 3,000 lbs of food weekly to students in need, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southcentral Wisconsin.

- Industry Engagement: Leading students to the Wisconsin ProStart Invitational, ProStart Career & Industry Expo, and premiere events including the James Beard Invitational at Sand Valley.

- Student Success: Creating dignified resources that improve attendance and bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional world.

As Wisconsin’s honoree, Mrs. Sonnemann will be nominated for national awards through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Congratulations, Mrs. Sonnemann! We are so proud of you! ✨