My name is Ariane Uy and I am a graduate of Cooper City High School. The past four years have helped shape the person that I am today, such that I have learned how to come out of my shell and overcome my insecurities and shyness. During my time at Cooper City, I served as the treasurer of the HOPE Sunshine Club which enabled me to develop my leadership skills. Moreover, when not focused on my studies, I gave back to the community by volunteering with Relay for Life, participating in local beach clean-ups, and working as a childcare provider at different daycare centers.

I chose Hospitality Management because my passion lies in baking. When I am experiencing very real emotions, such as stress or elation, I turn to baking to alleviate the pressure. Being in the kitchen has always been part of my life thanks to my aunt, who’s a mother figure to me. She sparked my interest at a young age when she allowed me and my cousins to lend a hand in her catering business and allowed us tag along to many cooking shows. Not only will I be pursuing what I love to do but I will also be making my aunt proud of me!

My greatest accomplishment thus far is receiving the Carnival Gold Scholarship. I am very grateful for receiving this scholarship as it allows me to study what I love. The hospitality industry is key to the growth of a business and I am excited to develop the skills necessary to thrive. I cannot wait for the opportunities that the future holds and now I am one step closer to my goal of owning a bakery.

Alejandro Garcia

My name is Alejandro Garcia and I am an incoming freshman to Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality. There are many interesting qualities about me, but I feel the most important characteristic is my ability to serve as a leader. I apply myself to every possible challenge or situation that arises and strive for nothing less than success.

Currently, I work at The Olive Garden where I have been able to expand my active knowledge of the workplace by having had the opportunity to carry out the responsibilities of nearly every position. To be more specific, presently, I am a Server, a Line Cook, and a Certified Trainer in the Back of House Operations. I have also had the pleasure of occasionally working as a host, busser, delivery specialist, to-go specialist and many other positions. My current goal, not excluding many other long-term ones, is to grow within Darden and eventually become a Culinary Manager.

I believe that my current knowledge of the industry will give me a substantial advantage and will, ultimately, allow me to succeed in situations where others may not, especially at such a young age. I have fallen in love with the fundamental ideal of hospitality that emphasizes the concept of giving your guest an enjoyable and memorable experience by any acceptable means. Being able to put a smile on so many faces is what makes every encounter special. In summary, I am beyond grateful for this phenomenal opportunity to have Carnival on my side throughout this new and exciting journey.

Leeanne Grunow

My name is Leeanne Grunow and I am an incoming hospitality freshman at FIU. I have chosen to pursue hospitality because I am truly passionate about bringing joy to others. I love bringing people together and have always been described as a “people person.” I want to make the world a better place by helping others create unforgettable memories and moments together. While in high school, I majored in communications and worked at a spa and salon. Every summer I work at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, learning hands on about leadership while caring for the young campers. I love to travel and hope to, one day, travel to every country, meet new people and learn about the different cultures globally.

Before receiving the Carnival Gold Scholarship, my biggest success was winning four gold scholastic writing keys and a national silver key for a short story in 2018. Ultimately, my dream is to open my own bed and breakfast in Juno Beach, Florida, as well as write a novel about my world travels and experiences.

Rodrigo Moises Sanz

My name is Rodrigo Moises Sanz and I am an incoming freshman at FIU. My parents decided to bring me to the United States at the age of two because they envisioned a better future here for me than in Peru. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been to leave their family. I’m proud to have been given the chance to show them the value of their sacrifices. One of the most onerous feats that I am overcoming in my life is the passing of my grandfather who shared many values with me, most notably, the gift of perseverance.

I realized hospitality was my true passion when Mast@FIU BBC provided me with the opportunity to obtain an internship with the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. With this internship, I was able to work alongside Dr. Michael Cheng, then Director of the Food and Beverage Programs, to create new recipes using Badia spices and products. Through the Chaplin School, I was also able to volunteer with the South Beach Wine and Food Festival which gave me hands-on experience in working in a fast-paced environment.

Until today, being granted DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was my greatest achievement because it has permitted me to remain in the States and pursue my education. I can now say that this scholarship is my greatest accomplishment. My goal in hospitality is to get into restaurant management and with the help of this scholarship, I hope to do just this.

Vicky Chapas

My name is Vicky Chapas and I am excited to be a part of the prestigious Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism at FIU. My love for hospitality was sparked after having an amazing summer as an intern at the Biltmore Spa. Prior to this opportunity, I struggled in deciding what my college major would be. If not for my involvement with the NAF program of Hospitality and Tourism at my high school, I would not have found this internship which ultimately changed my goals and dreams. This experience brought me out of my comfort zone in the best ways possible.

I have always maintained a strong work ethic because I truly enjoy the sense of having a job well done. When I wasn’t busy doing homework or studying for my exams, I volunteered my time assisting elementary students in their aftercare program as well as serving as a summer camp volunteer. I will continue to work tirelessly both in school and in my community in hopes of, one day, returning to the Biltmore as a working professional.

Being a Carnival Gold Scholar will open so many doors for me. I hope that I can truly take advantage of the amazing opportunities that are going to come my way to advance my career in the hospitality field. My love for hospitality is limitless and I guess you could say the connection was electric and can only become stronger with time and experience.

John Simpson graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School on the Principal’s Honor Roll with a 4.27 GPA serving as president of both DECA and Model United Nations. John also served as captain of the varsity volleyball team and co-president of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. At the time of his interview, John was juggling three industry-related positions while excelling in his studies.

Heissel Mayorga

Heissel Mayorga graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School on the Principal’s Honor Roll with a 4.1 GPA. Heissel challenged herself academically, taking multiple college-level courses, while actively engaging in the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, DECA, French Honor Society, and varsity soccer. Heissel’s professional interests include the hotel/lodging industry and human resources.

Destinee Gutierrez

Destinee Gutierrez graduated from Alonzo & Tracy Mourning High School with a 3.54 GPA; her academics included college-level coursework and hospitality studies. Destinee was heavily involved with the Academy of Tourism where she was awarded a trip to Russia to collaborate on a hospitality design project. Destinee has also been involved with Career Clubs of Florida, Nordstrom, and now the Hospitality Student Leadership Council. Destinee aspires to lead in the travel/tourism industry.

Deborah Sanchez

Deborah Sanchez graduated from J.P. Taravella High School with a 4.51GPA and has been actively involved in National Junior Honors Society, Student Government Association, and DECA. Deborah has been recognized as the first runner-up in the DECA Career Development State Conference for her exceptional abilities in customer service. Deborah hopes to excel in the hotel/lodging industry.

Dalila Pineda

Dalila Pineda graduated from Southwest Miami High School with a 3.31 GPA and has a passion for community engagement, as evident in her four-year role as a child mentor in the Big Brother Big Sister program. Dalila shares her leadership abilities with the Miami-Dade Police Department where she currently serves as the captain of the Police Explorer Program. Dalila aspires to follow her parent’s footsteps and be a leader in the hotel/lodging industry.

Students John Simpson, Heissel Mayorga, Dalila Pineda, Deborah Sanchez, and Destinee Gutierrez are Carnival Gold Scholars for 2015. The scholarships will help the students begin their academic careers in hospitality at the Chaplin School (students are pictured from left to right wearing their medals). Read more

Marvah Benjamin is a past recipient of the Hospitality Excellence Award and serves as the President of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) at the South Broward High School. An honor roll student and a peer advisor, she is also a member of the National Academy Foundation and the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism.

Kristen Ayana Linton

A graduate of Coral Glades High School, Kristen Linton and has a clear passion for the hospitality industry with a focus on culinary management. In 2012, she volunteered at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and assisted with the healthy eating live demos. A supporter of the Integrity Children’s Fund walk, Kristen helped raise funds for schools in Jamaica as part of her community involvement.

Erick B. Magloire

Erick B. Magloire is a past recipient of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Excellence in Education Scholarship, a two-time district winner and a one –time state winner of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) competitions. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the South Broward High School DECA chapter, and is a member of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism.

Andrea Martinez-Bustamante

Andrea Martinez – Bustamante graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School with a 5.2 GPA and has a passion for the hospitality industry, with a focus on event management.  She spends her time volunteering for non-profit organizations dedicated to improving children’s lives, such as YOUTHMove, Camillus House, Miami Children’s Museum and Miami Children’s Hospital. A freshman as of Fall 2014, Andrea will be pursuing a B.S. in Hospitality Management.

Kandys Adeline Temes

As a past recipient of the Superintendent’s Outstanding Student Volunteer Award for Broward County Schools, Kandys Temes spends her spare time organizing fundraising events to benefit various educational programs for children in Broward County. As a student, she served as a chapter member of the Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) and was an executive producer of the Cooper City High CTV TODAY Morning Show. A member of the National Honor Society, Kandys also serves as the Chairperson of TerraCycle Committee, with the goal of promoting sustainable practices in her community.