Herndon Career Center, Blue Valley West High take top honors at ProStart Invitational

Herndon Career Center in Raytown, Mo., and Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, Kan., took first-place honors in the culinary and restaurant management competitions at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. 



The team from Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, Kan., took top honors in the National ProStart Invitational's management competition.

The event, held April 26 in Baltimore, saw teams from 47 states and the District of Columbia seeking top honors and $200K in scholarships. The culinary competition consisted of the prep and plating of a three-course menu in one hour, without use of running water or electricity and just 2 butane burners for cooking. The management competition consisted of the presentation of a team-developed restaurant business concept to industry judges. 



CEO Michelle Korsmo called ProStart a career catalyst that teaches the leadership, communication, and teamwork skills needed for professional success.

“The National ProStart Invitational highlights the perseverance, resilience and talent that make every one of these students champions,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the NRAEF. ProStart is a career catalyst, teaching the leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that provide these students with the foundation of professional success. We know many of them will choose to stay in the industry, following one of 70 career pathways, but even for those who don’t, the experience and knowledge they’ve gained will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

Herndon’s winning menu consisted of pine-nut and herb-encrusted butter poached Dover sole; duroc pork tenderloin wrapped in caul fat and shiitake mushroom duxelles; and a blueberry buttermilk panna cotta with crunchy white chocolate shell. 

Blue Valley won for its “Ember & Ivy: Barbecue Reinvented” concept, composed of classic barbecue foundations with regional influences.



Golden Corral Chief People Officer Shelley Wolford, left, congratulates Frank Pinnix of Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., who was named 2026 ProStart James M. Maynard Teacher of the Year.

In addition, Frank Pinnix of Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was named the 2026 ProStart James M. Maynard Teacher of the Year. Honored for his excellence, dedication, and commitment, Pinnix is one of three instructors at Blackman currently educating 450 students in the culinary arts, while another 100 are on the waitlist.

Learn more about ProStart here