WCHS hospitality program among ‘2017 Elite 50’ in nation

Whitley County High School has been named to the 2017 Elite 50, an annual selection of the top 50 secondary school hospitality programs in the nation.

“We are again honored to be one of the 50 Elite hospitality programs in the country. Our students, under the leadership of Veronica Carmical, have once again achieved excellence in their chosen field. We are proud and excited that our hospitality program continues to ascend,” said Whitley County High School Principal Bob Lawson.

The Elite 50 list recognizes high schools as well as career and technical centers that have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in hospitality education.

These schools set the standard for secondary school training in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts and/or hospitality management. These elite programs are also marked by strong enrollment and a dedication to community outreach.

Many of this year’s Elite 50 programs have won state and national competitions for ProStart, SkillsUSA and Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

More than 350 schools designated as Hospitality Programs of Distinction were invited to apply for the honor of being named to the Elite 50 list.

Criteria for the schools selected for the Elite 50 included an original recipe with photos or a restaurant management design and instructor educational/certification background and informational materials such as videos or brochures about the school’s program. Further consideration was given to schools that operate a restaurant or catering service as part of their culinary and hospitality training.

The National Center for Hospitality Studies at Sullivan University in Louisville oversees the selection process for the Elite 50 list.

The National Center for Hospitality Studies is known as one of the finest postsecondary hospitality training institutions in the nation and offers programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, hotel and restaurant management, event management and tourism and hospitality management.

Every year, graduates from the National Center for Hospitality Studies pursue successful careers in virtually every corner of the globe and every aspect of the hospitality industry.

For additional information about the 2017 Elite 50 list, please visit sullivan.edu/elite50.