The ‘Our Future Leaders Scholarship’ is presented by the BC Hospitality Foundation

College of the Rockies (COTR) Hospitality Management student, Jhonna Lyn Valerio, has been named as a 2022 recipient of the Our Future Leaders Scholarship, an honour given to outstanding students in a select group of post-secondary hospitality programs. Recipients are also presented with a cheque for $1,500.

Delivered at the college’s Invermere campus, the Hospitality Management diploma program responds to the high demand for hospitality management professionals in the region. The two-year, co-op program provides practical hands-on experience in combination with academic and business courses aimed at helping students excel and grow in their careers.

Valerio was nominated for the Our Future Leaders Scholarship by her Hospitality Management faculty as acknowledgment of her excellent academic standing and commitment to a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry in B.C.

“Jho has been a delight to have in the program,” said Instructor Anna-Marie Rautenbach. “She works hard both in the classroom and in her work life and has exciting plans for her future in hospitality. I am confident she will achieve her goals and am thrilled she will have this Scholarship available to help her.”

Valerio, who came to Canada from the Philippines, is in her final year of the Hospitality Management diploma program. In addition to her schoolwork, Valerio is the secretary and auditor for the Hospitality Student Council, overseeing the planning and finances of on- and off-campus events. She also works in front line positions at a local café and a grocery store.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this Scholarship,” Valerio said. “It has become a passion of mine to continue to build my skills and abilities as I strive to provide excellent service to others. This scholarship will help me pursue this goal and directly benefit the lives of others.”

With her current program almost completed, Valerio isn’t planning to slow down.

“I plan to work as a hotel front desk employee in the hospitality industry in B.C. and eventually grow and develop to the point where I can use my skills and abilities to lead and manage others,” Valerio said. “It’s my highest ambition to eventually manage or operate a hotel of my own. My time at the College, combined with my work history will serve as a strong foundation for me. The Our Future Leaders Scholarship will also be a tremendous help as I move forward.”

Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Hospitality Management program at: cotr.ca/hospitality.

Lead image: Jhonna Valerio is the second Hospitality Management student to be awarded the Our Future Leaders Scholarship since the program began in 2018. Instructor Anna-Marie Rautenbach also earned the Faculty Collegiality Award from the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education. COTR photo

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