Mesquite High School culinary teacher Becky Magee recently received the 2006 National High School Chef Educator Award. Becky teaches culinary classes in the only industrial kitchen in the Gilbert Unified School District.

Each year, Food Educators Network International recognizes a secondary and postsecondary educator in the nation.

Becky received the award on February 24, 2006, during the organization's annual conference at the Orlando Culinary Academy, where culinary teachers from across the nation attend the three-day event to learn new classroom cooking techniques.

Becky has taught high school and junior college students for 20 years, and for 17 years, worked in various aspects of the food industry in the United States and in Europe.

When asked what keeps her motivated, Becky answered, “Even if I only touched one young person's life every year, whether I helped develop their self-confidence, boost their self-esteem or pull them out of their shell to expose hidden abilities and/or talents, the time and energy spent was worth every minute.”