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Despite Down Economy, Number Is Up for Epicurean Charitable Foundation's Annual College Scholarships
Foundation awards eight area high school students with scholarships to attend college anywhere in the country, enrolling in hospitality or food and beverage programs
May 5, 2009
Renewing its commitment to developing future hospitality professionals, officials from the Epicurean Charitable Foundation announced today that the Foundation has awarded a record-number of eight local high school students with financial aid to attend a four-year accredited college or university anywhere in the country to major in hospitality or food and beverage programs. This number is up from the six scholarships that the Foundation awarded last year.
"It is more important now - than ever - to continue creating an interest at the high school level for a future in the hospitality industry," said David McIntyre, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. "We are committed to supporting students not just financially, but also with internships, mentors and eventually work opportunities."
In addition to receiving up to $10,000 per year to help pay for tuition, books and college fees, many of the students receive a mentor from the Foundation's ranks as well as internship opportunities and constant guidance and support throughout their college career. The Foundation's goal with its scholarship program is to create a pipeline of extraordinarily talented people who will serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas.
"There was a very strong pool of qualified candidates this year and through the selection process we were able to better find out about their future goals. I am confident in the ability of these eight bright young students to excel and advance in the hospitality industry," said McIntyre.
This year's scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds, but all are dedicated to pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. This year's recipients include: Alexia Betts, Andrea Castillo, Cindy Ureno, Jennifer Lee, Karina Saucedo, Malek Sardi, Nachely Martinez and Vedna Boskovic. All will be attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas this fall.
Alexia Betts will graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Betts aspires to become a successful president of a major hotel. Betts is involved in AP Society, Varsity Track & Field, Runner's Club, Black Student Union and the hospitality and tourism magnet program.
Andrea Castillo will graduate Eldorado High School and the Area Technical Center (ATTC) this month. Castillo plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Castillo volunteers at the Orchard Club, where she assists in planning and coordinating senior activities. She is also a member of DECA, the association of marketing students.
Cindy Ureno will also graduate from Valley High School this month. Ureno plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management with a minor in food service management. Ureno is a member of DECA, the association of marketing students and is active in the Your Body Rocks Club, an organization dedicated to eating disorder awareness, and Habitat for Humanity.
Vesna Boskovic will also graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Boskovic is active in the community and has volunteered at the Greek Church festival and Abandoned Children Foundation.
Jennifer Lee will graduate Advance Technologies Academy (ATA) this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. Lee served as the vice president of the National Honor Society organization, secretary of R.E.S.P.E.C.T Club and is a member of Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the College Preparation Club.
Karina Saucedo will graduate Valley High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. She aspires to work in the food and beverage industry. Saucedo is involved in AP Society, Smart Grad, dance and St. Anne Catholic Church Choir.
Nachely Martinez will graduate Durango High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management with a minor in Spanish. Martinez is involved in Student Council, Student Organization of Latinos, Dance Divaz Team, Blazer Crazies, Principal Advisory Committee, National Honor Society and Theater Thespian.
Malek Sadri will graduate Coronado High School this month and plans to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas to obtain a degree in hotel management. He aspires to become a vice president of food and beverage or director of hotel operations for a major hotel property. Sadri is a member of National Honor Society and enjoys sports, working out, coin and stamp, cooking, Persian crafts and classic movies.
The Foundation's primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of its annual scholarship awards. The Foundation works to seek out exceptional students committed to furthering their education and skills in the hospitality and culinary arts. Each year, a limited number of scholarships are awarded by the Foundation to students who demonstrate the academic ability and personal dedication necessary to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, but lack the financial means to achieve their goals.
