Last item for navigation
RCA Culinary Arts first high school program in state to earn Exemplary industry certification 2017
Posted on 08/11/2017
American Culinary Federation Education Foundation's Exemplary Program badge/logoConyers, Ga. – The Culinary Arts program at Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) recently achieved a milestone in industry certification by becoming the only high school program in the state ever to be awarded Exemplary status by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.

Exemplary Programs symbolize the highest educational standards recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). The award is presented to programs that have proven full compliance with ACFEFAC’s extensive accreditation requirements on two or more consecutive site visits/team reports along with excellent management of the culinary program.

The ACFEFAC unanimously granted a 5-year certification with Exemplary status to RCA’s Culinary Arts program, which was created and led by recently retired Chef Wes Goodman and Chef Cathy Harris. The program was first certified in 2009. 

RCA CEO Jill Oldham says, “I commend the hard work and highest standards of our Culinary Arts instructors who make this program truly Exemplary. Chef Goodman’s professional expectations, drive, and passion for teaching the next generation were crucial to this program becoming the model it is today. Our students leave with a thorough education and industry certifications that give them an advantage after graduation.”

RCA Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Cathy Harris says, “We are incredibly proud of this award and the recognition of the excellence and quality RCA’s Culinary Arts program has maintained over the years. To be the first and only secondary education program in the state to be named an Exemplary Program by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation is a great accomplishment.”

Rockdale Career Academy prepares tomorrow’s workforce and develops individual student interests and abilities by offering approximately 25 Career, Technical, Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways or programs of study designed by experts in business, industry, and education, offering industry certification, providing customized work-based learning experiences, and teaching a rigorous and relevant academic and career curricula. For more information, please visit rca.rockdaleschools.org 


RCA logo and ACF logo