DoDEA HQ Office of Communications

4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350-1400

The DoDEA Communications Office initiates and manages DoDEA's communications and outreach efforts worldwide. The office coordinates press relations, internal information programs and communication with students, parents, teachers, school administrators and the public.

The HQ Communications Office:

Issues news releases and media advisories about DoDEA initiatives, employees and programs Produces video and television promotional and informational products marketed worldwide Maintains the DoDEA web site Designs printed promotional and informational material and graphic artwork to accompany publications, promotions and initiatives

For Immediate Release — March 11, 2009 |
: DoDEA Educational Communications Officer | (703) 588-3260   •   : DoDEA Educational Communications Officer | (703) 588-3265

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — March 11, 2009 — Lejeune High School (LHS) Culinary Arts Teacher Shirley Bryan was named 2009 North Carolina Educator Excellence Award Winner by the National Restaurant Association. Bryan was recognized for all of her hard work and dedication to the ProStart program. Bryan will participate in the Salute to Excellence Gala in Chicago, May 15-16.

In addition to being nominated, she has the opportunity to apply for the $5,000 James H. Maynard Excellence in Education Award sponsored by Golden Corral. Two awards will be given in May at the Gala.

Bryan led her two teams of culinary arts students to victories at the ProStart Student Invitational (CPSI) held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in January. This was a second straight State Championship for the students; an occurrence that Bryan says is unusual.

Presented by the South Carolina Tourism and Hospitality Educational Foundation (T.H.E. Foundation) and the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), the invitational showcases the academic talents in management competition of high school students from across North and South Carolina. The LHS teams earned seats to compete in their national invitation in April 2009.

The DDESS Culinary Arts program provides high school students with management skills necessary for a career in restaurant and food industry. Upon completion of the Restaurant, Food and Beverage Service Pathway, DDESS students are well qualified to either further their studies in an accredited Culinary Arts university or enter the food service industry. Since the program's inception, LHS graduates have amassed $657,000 in scholarships.