Thanks for the Teaching Recognition

In addition to being the co-owner, lead farmer, chef, chocolatier, and teacher of cooking classes at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, Mark Mills is also an adjunct faculty member at Frederick Community College (FCC). He teaches in the Hospitality, Culinary, & Tourism (HCTI) Program. As an adjunct, he teaches 1-2 classes per semester including: Culinary Medicine, Advanced Bread Baking, Garde Manger, Advanced Artistry. He has always enjoyed sharing what he has learned through his 30+ years in the food service industry with others.

• At Chocolates and Tomatoes, we sometimes we host interns from the HCTI program They help us in the kitchen and the field! We also hire students and graduates on a part-time basis, sometimes for special events.

• We encourage members of the community to show your support for the HCTI students by heading out to one of their pop-ups or regular restaurant nights at 200 Monroe. The next Bakery Pop-Up is April 17, 12:30-2:30pm (following a King Arthur Baking Company competition and scholarship awards).

Mark collaborates with others at HCTI to bring additional learning opportunities to the students and the community as well. He is always game to try something new, invest some extra time to help bring a new idea to life, and advance the mission of the school and support investment in the students.

• He is fortunate to be in a team of folks who are all striving to make a difference for the students and innovating along the way to do that. They help each other out to make the innovation and new opportunities possible.

• Plus, they have a great leader who mentors them with her creativity and commitment as well. See picture of Mark with his mentor and boss, Elizabeth DeRose, who we are pleased was also recognized.

We appreciate the award that Mark has just received from Frederick Community College at their Rise Together: Celebration of Excellence on April 11, 2025.

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  Mary, Mark, Elizabeth, Elise

  

  Mark receives award from FCC President

  

  FCC Award Ceremony Program

  

  Adjunct Faculty Award Plaque

  The Dr. Henry P. & M. Page Laughlin Distinguished Award for Adjunct Faculty!

• Mark wants to be sure that everyone knows that it "took a team" of folks, but he is glad that the award can bring recognition to the dedication and commitment of the staff in HCTI.

• Some pics of the plaque, award ceremony, and key members of the HCTI team who were at the ceremony (there are many more staff devoted to helping students learn the art and science of serving others through food).