Nicole LeClaire

LeClaire’s innovative teaching idea, “Prepare Today, Succeed Tomorrow,” focuses on repurposing an outdated classroom to create a state-of-the-art Culinary Arts and Education Lab/Classroom. This multi-course, multi-functional space will be designed to provide students with practical cooking space, room to prepare foods, space to store equipment, and room to grow through hands-on learning. With the Voya Unsung Heroes grant, LeClaire will be able to restructure the existing space and purchase industry-grade equipment that meets National Food Safety Standards to allow students to learn in a cooperative, hands-on environment which will lead to industry certifications in high-demand occupations.