On Tuesday, May 21, HospitalityMaine held its annual scholarship dinner at Spruce Point Inn. Eight students from across the state received awards and financial compensation to pursue a career in culinary arts and hospitality. 

Since its inception, the association has granted more than $300,000 to 350 students, many studying the industry in college or working their way up to full time careers. 

This year $10,000 was granted to the next generation of industry professionals. To underscore that lodging and food service jobs are a serious career path, association Executive Director Becky Jacobson applauded those gathered saying: “These award recipients represent the best and brightest individuals working to further the strength of the hospitality industry in Maine.”

Keynote speaker Michael Briggs, regional managing director of Olympia Hospitality encouraged awardees to “find your why,” as they achieve a life in hospitality.

“There is no greater calling,” he told the room of 40 attendees, while stressing that to succeed in hospitality one needs to be versatile and remember not to burn bridges. 

“We’ve heard  from many industries leaders in the room tonight that hospitality is not a just a job, it’s path to many exciting careers” said Jacobson. 

This year’s scholarships were made possible through donations from Sysco Northern New England, Daigle Commercial Group, Dennis Food Service and Performance Foodservice - NorthCenter.  

Students who received awards this year are:  

Arthur Baptista - Fryeburg Academy 

Brooklyn Kelly - Husson University 

Catherine Brown - Region 9 School of Applied Technology, Chef Educator 

Gwendolyn Weaver - Lincoln Academy/Bath Regional Career & Tech Center 

Kammy Dube - Southern Maine Community College 

Ellie Perry - University of Southern Maine  

Oakley Bench - Culinary Institute of America  

Taylor Mason - Husson University