Flowing Wells High School Culinary Arts Teacher Has Recipe for Success, Named New Teacher of the Year

TUCSON - October 13, 2009 - The Arizona Family and Consumer Science Educators Association (FACS-Ed) presented Flowing Wells High School Culinary Arts teacher Yvonne Bernino with its 2009 New Teacher of the Year Award during a ceremony earlier this year.

Bernino, starting just her second year of teaching Culinary Arts, says she attributes her many successes and achievements to the dedicated educators at Flowing Wells who have supported, mentored, and embraced her as a part of the school's family of teaching professionals.

One of Bernino's former students, Heidi Jaenicke, says, "Ms. Bernino was one of the best teachers I had all throughout high school. She was always there for us early in the morning and late at night to help us prepare for competitions."

Jaenicke, now enrolled in the culinary program at Scottsdale Community College, added, "You are going to see a lot more of her students win scholarships and competitions because she expects a lot from her students and is extremely helpful and informative."

FACS-Ed also named Flowing Wells Career and Technical Education Director Brenda Marietti the 2009 Administrator of the Year. Marietti says she was honored by the simple fact that Bernino nominated her for the award.

Marietti started her teaching career in the Flowing Wells Unified School District 24 years ago, and has served as the district's CTE Director for the past ten years.

"Brenda Marietti is one of (Pima County Joint Technology Education District's) founders, but we need to remember that long before our District existed, she worked tirelessly to establish and promote premier Career and Technical Education programs that helped students succeed in college and careers," says Pima County Joint Technology Education District Superintendent Alan Storm.