Olson Communications, a marketing communication strategy agency, announced the winning recipient of its second-annual 20th Anniversary Chefs of Tomorrow grant program for culinary educators.

Laura Vaughn, pastry-chef instructor at Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago, received a $1,500 grant from Olson Communications’ Chefs of Tomorrow initiative. A jury consisting of Dr. Albert Furbay, retired founder of Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts; Michael Garbin, executive chef of Union League Club; and Judith Dunbar Hines, director of culinary arts and events for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs selected Vaughn in a review open to culinary educators throughout metro Chicago.

Vaughn will use the grant to purchase the $1,500 entry to the annual World Pastry Forum, held in Phoenix from June 30 to July 6, 2010.

As the pastry-chef instructor at Washburne, Vaughn teaches a broad range of disciplines, from specialty breads to chocolates and confections, and from plated desserts to cake decorating. “My students will be able to use the techniques I bring home from the World Pastry Forum, and that will put them ahead of the competition when applying for jobs,” she says.