Scholarship Recipients

Regan Burke, a College of Arts and Science student, at the University of Virginia, will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Burke is majoring in Media Studies. She is currently employed as a server at the Holiday Inn & Suites and worked previously at Catch 31, Tradewinds and Baker’s Crust. Ms. Burke expects to graduate in May 2018. Her letter of recommendation and support from the Holiday Inn compliments Ms. Burke’s professionalism, adaptability, and her great follow through.

Betty Pierce, an Associate Degree student at Tidewater Community College, will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Pierce is majoring in Hospitality Management and Lodging. She is currently employed as an administrative services assistant at Abacus. Ms. Pierce expects to graduate December 2017. Her letter of recommendation and support from the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau compliments Ms. Pierce’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in helping the Department.

Sarah Cramer, a Bachelor of Science Degree student at ECPI Culinary Institute of Virginia will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Cramer is majoring in Food Service Management. She is currently employed by the Culinary Institute as a steward and also is lead line cook at the Mojito Café. Ms. Cramer expects to graduate in June, 2014. Her letter of recommendation and support received from the CIV compliments Ms. Cramer’s outstanding dedication to the hospitality industry and excellent customer service focus.

Samantha Jespersen, an Associate Degree student at Bryant & Stratton College will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Jespersen is majoring in Applied Science concentrating in Business. She is currently employed by Ginkgo Fairfield Latitudes as a consultant and worked previously at AMF Bowling Center. Ms. Jespersen expects to graduate in April, 2014. Her letter and recommendation of support received from AMF compliments Ms. Jespersen’s confidence, intelligence and high standard of excellence.

Kelly Henry, an Associate Degree student at Tidewater Community College will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Henry is majoring in Business Administration. She is currently employed by the Founders Inn and Spa as a marketing information group room coordinator and sales administrative assistant. Ms. Henry expects to graduate in May, 2014. Her letter of recommendation and support received from the Founders Inn compliments Ms. Henry’s high level of analytical and detailed oriented knowledge, skills and abilities.

Morgan Ryder, a Bachelor of Arts Degree student at The University of Virginia will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Ryder is majoring in American Studies. She is currently employed by Sinclair Communications as a promotion team member and also worked previously as an assistant manager at Boucher Beach Brothers. Ms. Ryder expects to graduate in May, 2014. Her letter of recommendation and support from Sinclair compliments Ms. Ryder’s hard working, self-motivated, intelligence and her helpful customer centric approach at work.

Julianne James, an Associate Degree student at ECPI University Culinary Institute of Virginia will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. James is majoring in Culinary Arts. She is currently employed by Big Italy Restaurant as a line cook and work previously as a cook at Froggies Cantina by the Bay. Ms. James expects to graduate in June, 2014. Her letter of recommendation received from the Culinary Institute of Virginia compliments Ms. James’ outstanding culinary knowledge and excellent professional experience.

Markita Kearney, an associate degree freshman student at Tidewater Community College will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Kearney is majoring in Business Management and concentrating in Social Science. She is currently employed by VSA Resorts as a Vacation Sales Consultant and worked previously at the Virginia Beach Convention Center with Distinctive Gourmet. Ms. Kearney expects to graduate in December 2014. Her letter of recommendation and support received from VSA compliments Ms. Kearney’s customer-centric approach, flawless attendance record and dedication to client vacation experiences.

Anne Nowak, a Master of Arts degree graduate student at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, will receive a $500.00 scholarship from the VBTTF. Ms. Nowak is majoring in Instructional Technology. She is currently employed by GoldKey/PHR Hotels and Resorts as a Process Management Design Specialist. Ms. Nowak expects to graduate in December 2013. Her letter of recommendation and support received from GoldKey/PHR compliments Ms. Nowak’s role in documenting business processes and preparing collateral materials utilized in the training and development for their 2,000 associates.