Annapolis, MD, June 22, 2026–Worcester Technical High School Instructor Philip Cropper, received the national 2026 Green Award recognizing his commitment to teaching sustainability and the importance of agriculture when selecting products and designing menus. The award is sponsored by the National Pork Board and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education.
At Worcester Technical High School, sustainability is not taught as a single lesson or unit; it is experienced as a living, interconnected system embedded across the culinary and pastry arts programs. Through a student-driven, real-world approach, Chef Cropper has developed fully integrated agricultural, culinary and entrepreneurial initiatives such as:
A student-managed community garden
A 2-plus-acre pollinator habitat and campus apiary
Students leading a hands-on hydroponic education for over 400 elementary students
Curating a farm-to-table culinary curriculum
Overseeing The Pines Café, a student-run school-based food enterprise
Together, these components create a scalable and replicable model that transforms students from learners into producers, educators, entrepreneurs, and environmental stewards.
Chef Cropper received a $1,000 prize from the National Pork Board and commemorative plaque. Additionally, he was presented with a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2026 Leadership Conference held this summer in Chicago.
National Pork Board
The National Pork Board works to promote pork, support farmers, and connect with consumers through research, marketing, promotion, and education. They’re all about helping producers share their story, build trust, and highlight pork’s role in a nutritious, sustainable food system. From sustainability programs to recipe inspiration, the National Pork Board is focused on keeping pork top-of-mind for restaurateurs and on menus everywhere.
About the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ)
Founded in 2002, CAFÉ’s mission is to link culinary educators with the foodservice industry. The organization provides up-to-date resources to foodservice educators who are training students for vibrant, fulfilling careers in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. CAFÉ supports the unique needs of highly specialized professionals who wear two hats as culinarians and educators through its online magazine, The Gold Medal Classroom, free digital resources such as CAFÉ Talks Podcast and Coffee with CAFÉ webinars, as well as national outreach events. For more information, visit our website: CafeMeetingPlace.com.