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Marilyn Fagerness became a family and consumer science (FACS) teacher in the fall of 1990, after five years of full-time subbing at North Branch Area High School. Four years ago, when most people would choose to start gliding towards retirement, Fagerness took on one of her biggest professional challenges: implementing the ProStart program at North Branch Area High School. Through this program, students have gotten their foot in the door in the culinary industry.

Her students competed in the Minnesota ProStart Invitational and participated in the Stars of the Future fundraiser, working closely with a chef mentor to create and serve small plates to an audience. Fagerness retired earlier this year.

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