Home Community Organizations USVI Hotel and Tourism Association Awards Scholarships to V.I. Students

USVI Hotel and Tourism Association Awards Scholarships to V.I. Students

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USVI Hotel and Tourism Association Awards Scholarships to V.I. Students

 USVI HTA Manager Nicole Friday, Scholarship Recipient Alvante Frett, Scholarship Recipient Samantha Deserve, USVI HTA Board Member Samuel ReyIn August, the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association’s Education and Training Committee gave away $7,500 in scholarships to three students pursuing a degree in hospitality. Out of six applicants, Charlotte Amalie High School graduate Alvante Frett, current University of the Virgin Islands student Samantha Deserve and Ivanna Eudora Kean graduate Gabriela Samms each received $2,500 to pursue their goals.
The students went through a pre-screening process in which applications, essays and grade point average were reviewed. Students were then interviewed by USVI HTA board members and Scholarship Committee members, a sub-committee which falls under the Education and Training Committee. During interviews, each member took note of different qualities in the students such as congruency between their interviews and applications, attention to detail, character, passion and vision for their futures.
“This year’s scholarship winners, each in their own style, are well-spoken, poised and presented themselves professionally. Each has a clear and unique vision for their future,” said USVI HTA board member Susan Warren.
“From Alvante’s drive to Samantha’s quiet determination and Gabriela’s confidence, it was easy to see how they will benefit from our support and represent themselves and the Virgin Islands as they mature,” she said.
The USVI HTA Education and Training Committee has been collecting the scholarship fund since its inception 21 years ago. The fund was established as part of the committee’s ongoing effort to aid youth seeking higher education. Scholarship funds are raised annually at the association’s holiday party silent auction where items are donated by members. In addition, the Doumeng family, who owns and operates Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, asked for donations to the scholarship fund in lieu of flowers to honor hotel icon Dick Doumeng, who passed Nov. 19, 2012.
For more information regarding the scholarship and the Education and Training Committee, contact Nicole Friday at 774-6835 or visit www.usvihta.com.

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