A Maple Ridge chef and educator was one of 20 teachers from across the country to receive a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award Certificate of Achievement.
Chef Trevor Randle, who teaches culinary arts to students in Grades 9-12 at Maple Ridge Secondary School (MRSS), was honoured with the award that recognizes exceptional teachers and early childhood educators whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have made a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadian children and students.
The awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences, foster curiosity and confidence, and make a lasting impact on the children and students they serve.
Randle, who started teaching at the school in 2005, said he is the first teaching chef to ever receive this award, which, he said, demonstrates how important culinary and food security education has become nationwide.
Secondary school teaching kitchens offer more than just teaching students how to cook. They provide a consistent space for every student to feel successful, safe, and challenged, said Randle, who was nominated for the award by his friends and colleagues at Thomas Haney Secondary.
Randle tries to create a learning experience that is immersive, student centered, energetic, professional and inclusive.
“I think my personal teaching style stands out as it combines these elements to function in synergy every day,” he said. “Every class, I want students to leave my doors feeling proud and accomplished. I think this is what makes teaching kitchens, especially the ones in our district, so special.”
Randle said he tries to make a difference everyday just by showing up with positive energy which is reciprocated by his students. This positivity impacts the school and surrounding community through daily lunches they create at the school, and projects like the weekly Community Dinner.
Randle is also the chef ambassador for BC Egg and the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation and the president of the BC Culinary Arts Specialists Association.
On the Government of Canada website, Randle is described as a passionate teaching chef who turns his kitchen into a place where students learn real culinary skills and discover what they can do.
“Trevor is an extraordinary educator whose vision, innovation and unwavering commitment have transformed culinary education in British Columbia for more than two decades,” read the online biography. “His kitchen is more than a place to learn recipes – it’s a place buzzing with energy, teamwork and possibility. Students take on real responsibilities and lead tasks that show them just how much they can do. Every day, Randle helps them build confidence by tackling challenges that matter to their school and community.
Randle said he is incredibly honoured to receive such a prestigious award and thanked his “army of support” including, his students, school administration, kitchen and office staff, custodians, maintenance, I.T., and all of the people at the district education office.
And, he noted, he is very fortunate to be in a district with four other incredible teaching chefs who are also his dear friends and whom he often turns to for inspiration and advise.
His great take away from receiving the award is that he is reminded of how important the provincial culinary arts programs are to students, schools, and communities, and that he is lucky to have a career that so few hold in the province where he can positively impact more than just his culinary arts students.
“It is totally cliche, but it is true, when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Every year the Prime Minister’s Awards are handed out for teaching excellence, teaching excellence in STEM, and excellence in early childhood education.
Eight other teachers across the country received a Certificate of Excellence.
“We extend our sincere congratulations to all recipients and thank every nominee for the important work they do each day,” said the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the federal department behind the awards.
Nominations for the 2027 awards are currently open.
A nomination could be a teacher who is introducing innovative approaches in the classroom, building strong connections with families, championing inclusive learning environments, or inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
The deadline to put forth a nomination is Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027.