Awards and Honors

1995

Arizona SkillsUSA Educator of the Year

2004

American Culinary Federation
Resort and Country Club Chefs Association
Chef of the Year

This ACF local chapter award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of America and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.

2008

Semi Finalist Arizona Teacher of the Year

2010

Arizona CTE Program of the Year
Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts
East Valley Institute of Technology
Mesa, AZ

2011

CCAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) Arizona
East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)
Culinary Arts/Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts
Program and Co-Educator of the year
Mesa, AZ

2011

American Culinary Federation
Presidential Medallion #39
President Michael Ty CEC®, AAC®, HOF®

The Presidential Medallion is considered the highest honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

2015

American Culinary Federation
Chef’s Association of Arizona
Chef Educator of the Year

This ACF local chapter award recognizes an outstanding Educator. This award pays tribute to an active culinary educator whose knowledge, skills and expertise have enhanced the image of the professional chef, and who, by example, has given leadership, guidance and direction to students seeking a career in the culinary profession. This person demonstrates the ability to help students define and develop their careers by using their skills and abilities to provide a strong foundation for their future success.

2018

American Culinary Federation
Presidential Medallion #17
President Stafford DeCambra, CEC®, CCE®, CCA®, AAC®

The Presidential Medallion is considered the highest honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

2019

American Academy of Chefs
Service Award Pin

The American Academy of Chefs Service Award Pin is presented to academy members who demonstrate active participation, service and dedication to the Academy, the American Culinary Federation and the culinary profession.

2022

American Academy of Chefs
Service Award Pin

The American Academy of Chefs Service Award Pin is presented to academy members who demonstrate active participation, service and dedication to the Academy, the American Culinary Federation and the culinary profession.

2023

American Academy of Chefs
Joseph Amendola Award

Joseph Amendola Award
The Joseph Amendola Award is presented to a Pastry Chef or Master Baker. This recipient has devoted their career to their profession and to the mentoring of young individuals who will be future pastry chefs.

2023

American Culinary Federation
Hermann G. Rusch Chef’s Achievement Award
Western Region Nominee

This award, formerly the Hermann G. Rusch Humanitarian Award, honors chefs who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to both ACF and the culinary profession. Such chefs, through their involvement with and contributions to ACF and our craft, have advanced the culinary profession and ensured the enrichment of students, our members and those in the profession. Candidates are worthy of carrying on the proud tradition of the chef for whom this award was named, Hermann G. Rusch, AAC (1907–1997).