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The Frenchman’s Reef Resort has donated $15,000 to both Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS) to fund much needed supplies for each of their nationally accredited Hospitality and Tourism Programs within the Career and Technical Education Department (CTE), the resort made known via release Thursday.
“The Hospitality and Tourism program provides students with an in-depth experience of the current Hospitality industry, while allowing them to explore industry careers such as Lodging/Resort Management, Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Cosmetology, Architecture and so much more," explained Alliyah Dessout of the IEKHS Hospitality and Tourism Department.
Tourism is the number one industry in the Virgin Islands, and it is through this program, that students can expand their knowledge and experience to better prepare themselves for a career path to better serve our community, according to the release.
The resort said each school has received a financial donation so that they may designate the funds towards purchases that will best serve their individual program.
CAHS has recently remodeled its culinary lab and as Principal April Petrus said, “This is a large undertaking, and you [Frenchman’s Reef] are the first to provide financial assistance; we sincerely thank you. The financing required to replace all of the appliances is a lot for the school to take on.”
CAHS has allocated the funds towards stainless steel industrial refrigerators and stainless steel induction ranges.
Students within the culinary program of CTE experience both theoretical and hands-on training. As part of the hand-on training, students host events including the planning, décor, food preparation, serving and more. According to the release, IEKHS will utilize their funds for culinary utensils including pans, spatulas, cutting boards, etc. – but with a significant portion allocated for event supplies that will be utilized in the hands-on event trainings such as chair covers, table clothes, cutlery, and more.
Managing Director of Frenchman’s Reef, Kurt Wiksten shared his personal promise of dedication to both schools and the desire of Frenchman’s Reef to continue in their efforts to contribute supplies needed to help the program evolve and grow. “The future is here; for the students and the island. It is important for our youth to see the many industries that are included within the hospitality and tourism sector. We look forward to working with the dedicated students of the CTE program and providing them with new opportunities to expand their horizons and prospective careers.”
