Hospitality students honour their lecturers

In a blue, white and crystal-themed room, sometimes bathing under blue, pink and red lights, the lecturers who teach in the tourism, hospitality and entertainment programmes at Exelsior Community College at 20 Camp Road, Kingston 4, had a ball recently.

They were fêted, entertained, serenaded, imitated, awarded, and appreciated by their third-year students, who planned and executed a ‘lecturers’ appreciation banquet’ in partial completion of their special events management course. The services they provided include food and beverage preparation, bar, waiting and serving, décor and dining arrangements, security, husher, entertainment, guests room hosting, etc.

The evening’s proceedings were conducted by the affable MC, Donovan Stewart, a student himself. The well-known humorist gave patrons much to laugh about with his brand of storytelling, and he had many stories to tell. The entertainment from special guest artistes was emboldened by that given by the students themselves, who sang, recited, acted and danced.

In addition to the trophies that were presented to all their lecturers, special prizes, under the title of Lecturers’ Grammy, were awarded in the categories of Most Dramatic (Rayanne Clarke and Claudia Blythe-McLeod), Best Dressed (Karleen Scott and Jhevoughn Coombs), Most Organised (Karleen Scott), School Spirit (Rayanne Clarke), Walking Wikipedia (Dean Sharon Black). Alladeen Douglas-Knight walked away with the prizes for being the most inspirational, humanitarian and most approachable lecturer.

In his vote of thanks, Shaquille Cunningham was more than generous for the rapport with, and guidance from, his mentors and educators. He told the story of his evolution from being a high-school graduate sitting at home, depressed, not knowing what to do with his life until an item of news struck him.

He heard that the tourist industry was set to boom. This meant that jobs would be available. It was time for the pity party to end, and so he set out to investigate where he could go to be trained for employment in the said industry.

For many reasons, Excelsior Community College was his choice to pursue a degree in tourism and hospitality. This move, he said, transitioned him from “the bwoy” he was then to “the man” he is today. He is the only man in his batch, and was the manager for the event.

In a statement, Cunningham said, “The concept of a lecturers’ appreciation banquet was born out of gratitude for our lecturers. We also noted that there are members of staff who have, and continue to do an excellent job in assisting us on a daily basis, and for that we are grateful. The exceptional service given to us by lecturers and members of staff has helped us to develop into young, aspiring managers.”