Colleagues,
We are pleased to share this wonderful recognition received by one of our MAVA Colleagues!!
Congratulations our friend Peter Crafts!!
David
Peter Crafts: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence and Education
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For Peter Crafts, the journey into the culinary world began in the kitchens of local restaurants during high school, where two chefs became his mentors and inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Encouraged by their guidance, he attended The Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1965. From there, he embarked on a dynamic career in food service, gaining experience in various managerial roles before finding his true calling—teaching.
In 1969, an opportunity arose to take over the culinary arts program at Brookline High School. Although he had never taught before, Peter embraced the challenge, overseeing both the school lunch program and an evening gourmet cooking course. His passion for education only grew, leading him to apply for a position at Minuteman High School when it first opened. It was an exciting time, and Peter saw the potential to create something extraordinary.
At Minuteman, Peter served as the director of the Commercial Services Cluster, managing the school’s lunch program while also launching a bakery and a full-service restaurant. Under his leadership, students took charge of all food services, working tirelessly from early mornings to late nights, gaining hands-on experience that would shape their careers. Discipline was key in the high-energy environment of a professional kitchen, and Peter ensured his students understood the expectations. While he was strict, his guidance created a structured and inspiring learning space where students thrived.
One of Peter’s most notable achievements was his involvement in the development of the first McDonald’s restaurant on a high school campus. This groundbreaking initiative provided students with valuable real-world training and earned him a congratulatory call from President Ronald Reagan.
Among his fondest memories was a student-led production that combined the talents of the English and Culinary Arts departments. Over 100 students worked together to create an immersive theater-in-the-round experience, complete with elaborate props, costumes, and a gourmet dining service featuring a three-course menu with paired non-alcoholic wines. It was a tremendous success—one that showcased the creativity, dedication, and skills of his students.
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<![endif]>For Peter, the greatest reward was seeing his students go on to build successful careers—not just in food service, but in all walks of life. He took pride in knowing that his mentorship played a role in shaping their futures. With four years to guide and nurture them, he believed deeply in the value of vocational education and its power to transform lives.
Reflecting on his career, Peter attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his wife, Marilyn, and their children, Jon and Kendra. Teaching was not just a job for him—it was a way of life, a calling that allowed him to pass on his knowledge and passion to future generations. His legacy at Minuteman lives on in the students who remember his lessons, his discipline, and his belief in their potential.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
