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The winning culinary and management teams will represent Team Alaska at the th
National ProStart Invitational on April 24-28 in Baltimore, Maryland where they will compete against top student teams from across the United States.
Honoring Leaders in Alaska Hospitality Education The event also provided an opportunity to recognize individuals whose dedication continues to strengthen Alaska’ s hospitality workforce pipeline.
FHLP Board Chairman- Robert McCormick
Chef Anne Stoneking of Delta High School was honored as the 2026 Alaska ProStart Educator of Excellence, recognizing her outstanding commitment to student mentorship, culinary education, and leadership within the ProStart network. The Lifetime Engagement Award was presented to Robert McCormick, FHLP Chairman and co-owner of Glacier Brewhouse and Orso in Anchorage, for his many years of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support of Alaska’ s ProStart students and educators. Additionally, BreeAnna Erickson of Alaska CHARR received the first-ever Alaska ProStart Impact Award, recognizing her dedication to strengthening workforce development initiatives and expanding opportunities for young people entering Alaska’ s hospitality industry.
Impact Award Recipient BreeAnna Erickson
Industry Partners Make the Event Possible The Alaska ProStart Invitational would not be possible without the generous support of industry partners committed to building the future of Alaska’ s hospitality workforce. Sponsors for the 2026 event included: Alaska CHARR Educational Foundation, Sysco, US Foods, the University of Alaska Anchorage and Fairbanks, the United States Coast Guard, Juneau / Lynn Canal CHARR, Kodiak CHARR, and EcoLab. Their continued partnership ensures students gain meaningful exposure to the industry while connecting with professionals who are invested in their success.
Building the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders Each year, the Alaska ProStart Invitational serves as more than a competition, it is a powerful reminder that Alaska’ s hospitality industry is filled with opportunity, creativity, and community. For the students participating in AKPSI26, the experience provided a platform to showcase their talents, gain confidence, and build relationships with the professionals who will one day become their colleagues. As Alaska’ s hospitality industry continues to grow and evolve, programs like ProStart play a critical role in educating and elevating the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders across the state.
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