Gladstone, Mo. — Sarah Lorenson, a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience, has been named the 2025 Missouri ProStart Educator of Excellence. For 12 years, Ms. Lorenson has led the ProStart program at Oak Park High School, part of the North Kansas City School District, fostering culinary skills and hospitality expertise among her students.
Certified in family consumer sciences and human services, Lorenson's professional credentials are as impressive as her classroom achievements. She has completed three levels of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Summer Institutes, earned a Hospitality & Tourism Management certification from Florida Atlantic University, and is a certified hospitality educator through the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute.
Beyond the classroom, Lorenson's commitment to her community is evident. She volunteers with the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association's Gilbert Robertson Dinner and serves as co-sponsor of the Oak Park FCCLA chapter. In addition to her educational roles, Lorenson has contributed to athletics in the district, coaching basketball for two seasons, cross country for seven seasons, and assisting the girls' soccer team for 17 years.
Under her guidance, Oak Park ProStart students have gained hands-on experience catering events for school board meetings, district functions, and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association events. Field trips to local institutions such as Chip’s Chocolate Factory, Hy-Vee, and Shatto Milk have further enriched students’ practical knowledge.
ProStart, a two-year program designed for high school students interested in culinary arts and food service management, provides classroom instruction, mentored work experiences, and access to scholarships. Oak Park’s ProStart teams, guided by Lorenson, have consistently excelled in statewide competitions. In the Missouri ProStart Invitational, the team earned third place in culinary competitions in 2022 and 2023, as well as fourth place in management in 2023. The students have also participated in events at Johnson County Community College and Cook Around the World in Orlando, Florida.
Through her dedication, Lorenson has cultivated a program that not only celebrates culinary excellence but also prepares students for success in a competitive industry, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
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