Nov. 1, 2004 – When the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association hands out its Tommy Star Award of Excellence Saturday night, it will be to a man whose dedication and service to the community's young people has been widely recognized and lauded.
Ecedro Wesselhoft gave 17 years to the high school he graduated from in an effort to teach young people the hotel business.
Wesselhoft is widely admired by his colleagues and loved by his students. His tireless efforts won him the attention of the 24th Legislature, which passed a bill naming the Hotel Training Unit at Charlotte Amalie High School, his alma mater, after him.
In a release from its office Monday the Hotel and Tourism Association said it was at CAHS that Wesselhoft "secured his legacy" as he "taught numerous hotels and management courses and prepared numerous young people for the industry."
Several of his students have gone on to own their own businesses.
Wesselhoft was born on St. Thomas and graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in 1962. He earned degrees from the College of the Virgin Islands and Independent Correspondence School in Scranton, Pa.
Along with teaching Wesselhoft has also held positions in the private sector at Bassabe Bakery and the Renaissance Grand Beach Resort.
Wesselhoft retired from his teaching career 2002.
Other industry awards will be given out Saturday night as well in the following categories:
– Restaurant Associate of the Year.
– Retail Associate of the Year.
– Attractions & Activities Associate of the Year.
– Hospitality Support Services Associate of the Year.
– Public Services Associate of the Year.
– Taxi Operator of the Year.
– Hotel Associates & Supervisor of the Year.
Nominees represent many businesses in the community including Diamonds International, The Ritz-Carlton, Bolongo Bay, Wheatley Taxi Service, The Westin, The West Indian Co., Ltd, Old Stone Farm House, Coral World, Best Western Emerald Beach and Virgin Islands Territorial Court, the release said.
The award presentation promises to be a spectacular event, according to the association. Moxie Marketing along with Filmvi.net and Presentation Services VI are "rolling out the red carpet" starting with a parade of the 2005 nominees followed by a fabulous dinner which includes: Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Cheesecake, Salmon Wellington and Roasted Herbed rubbed Chicken and for dessert a spectacular Tommy Star Surprise.
Sponsors for the event include: Morris Visitor Publications, The Westin Resort, Cardow Jewelers/Best Western Emerald Beach, Moxie Marketing, Holiday Inn, Choice Communications, Tom Bolt & Associates, Marriott Frenchman's Reef, the Tourism Department, the West Indian Company Ltd., the Ritz-Carlton, Bellows International, Diamonds International, Coral World, Caneel Bay, Bernard K. Passman, Paradise Point Tramway, Tropical Shipping, Media Marketing, Craig & Sally's, WSTA Lucky 13 Radio Station, FilmVI.net, Presentation Services and Island Meetings & Incentives.
The event begins as with cocktails at 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 8 p.m. at the Estate St. Peter's Great House. Tickets are $100 per person.
For more information contact the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association at 340-774 6835.

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