Congratulations to Istrouma High School’s Patricia Cooke, who was named the 2024 Louisiana ProStart Educator of Excellence. “Being voted Teacher of the Year by my peers here at Istrouma for this school year and then to be selected as ProStart Educator of Excellence by the Louisiana Restaurant Association makes me proud — lets me know that my labor is not in vain,” said Cooke, who is a family and consumer science teacher, ProStart instructor and mentor at Istrouma High. “I actually just love what I do, although teaching was not my first career choice, but I am glad that it has been my most fulfilling career choice.”
Cooke has been an EBR Schools educator for 26 years, including 21 at Istrouma.
Cooke enjoys preparing students for real-life experiences in the hospitality, restaurant and tourism industries. “I guess I can say that my classes develop the whole child to be productive, critical thinking, problem-solvers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Students who complete my program are given scholarship opportunities and hospitality and culinary college course credits at many of the universities and culinary arts schools around the country,” Cooke said.
2 Responses
Ms. Cooke has always been very passionate about teaching and cooking. She is dedicated and love her students.
Congrats to a wonderful colleague.
Congratulation to a wonderful person.