Lynette Jones is a highly regarded culinary instructor at the Putnam Career and Technical Center (PCTC) in Eleanor, West Virginia. Jones has rich industry experience and an unmatched enthusiasm for culinary arts. She primarily focuses on the ProStart Restaurant Management and Baking and Pastry programs at PCTC, but also mentors high school and post-secondary by sharing her expertise with aspiring chefs. Jones holds an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management from Marshall Community and Technical College, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management from Marshall University Lewis College of Business, and a Master of Science in Adult & Technical Education from Marshall University.

Jones has devoted a considerable portion of her life to career technical education. With a lineage of educators spanning three generations and a passion for career technical education passed down from her mother, her commitment to her profession is undeniable. Jones actively advises PCTC’s SkillsUSA Chapter by providing consistent guidance to students for competitive events, which has led to numerous state achievements and national medals by students.

She embraces Julia Child’s culinary wisdom: “To be a good cook, you have to have a love of the good, a love of hard work, and a love of creating.”

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Emily Dunkle is a gifted agricultural educator and FFA advisor at Greenbrier East High School who brings an unwavering commitment to instilling a passion for career exploration among her students. She believes agriculture provides students with employment opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and cultivates future generations of farmers and agricultural professionals who can contribute to food security and economic growth. Dunkle earned an Associate of Arts in Agriculture from Potomac State College of West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from West Virginia University. Additionally, Dunkle was awarded the 2023 Teacher Turn the Key Award by the National Association of Agriculture Educators.

Dunkle is a member of the Agriculture Professional Society and National Wild Turkey Federation at West Virginia University and is a chapter reporter for the National FFA Organization. Growing up, she spent her summers riding horses, bailing hay, and operating farm equipment on her family farm in Raleigh County. She later joined her local FFA chapter, leading her to pursue post-secondary education centered around agriculture.

Dunkle values the importance of agriculture and believes it is a crucial part of the evolving modern world. She cultivates future farmers and agriculture professionals in her classroom by sharing her passion for the profession.

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