George Jean-Babets is currently a second year ProStart student at Amherst Regional High School. George’s interest in culinary arts and hospitality date back to as early as five years of age. Anticipating his upcoming sixth birthday, George set about designing his own cake and asked his parents to make a rose-covered, multi-layer creation based on a photograph in a professional baking book he had found. His response to his parents who doubted their ability to fulfill his request was to "just try, just try." This has become a mantra for him and his school career.
George’s first job was with McDonald’s where he began working as soon as he was 15 years old. He did well there and was asked to join the manager-in-training program. He enjoys the quick-serve environment and helped to build a cohesive team with the many recent Central and South American immigrants who were working there. His fluency in Spanish served him well in that situation.
In August 2008, George was hired at Judie’s Restaurant in Amherst, MA. His duties include bussing tables and cashiering, and he currently works three or four evenings per week. Judie’s is a very popular local eatery, and she very rarely hires a student in high school for her crew. This is a testament to George’s focus and dedication to his commitment. The MRAEF (Mass Restaurant Assoc. Educational Foundation)wishes George Jean-Babets the best of luck in all his future endeavors.