Students from Victor Scott were congratulated for completing a hospitality programme and treated to lunch by The Bermuda Hospitality Institute and The Fairmont Hamilton Princess.Karla Lacey (CEO of Bermuda Hospitality Institute); Kellianne Smith (Director of Human Resources, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess) and Len Czarnecki (General Manager, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess) applauded the P4 and P6 students for completing the Hospitality programme. The team has visited the students four times at their school. Their lesson plans included: Bermuda tourism in general; manners; character; integrity and dining etiquette. The finale of the programme for the students is a quick recap of the lesson plans before enjoying a three course meal at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess.We spoke with Karla Lacey, CEO of Bermuda Hospitality Institute (BHI). She told us: “BHI's ‘Hospitality Skills = Life Skills’ programme curriculum was developed in-house to demonstrate the importance of being hospitable as a life skill, and to raise the level of awareness of the Hospitality industry as a viable career choice. Launched in January 2012, it runs for four months in grades P4, P6 and M2 either in the spring (January-April) or Fall (Sept-December).”The programme currently runs in 10 public schools:Primary SchoolsDalton E. TuckerElliott PrimaryFrancis PattonHeron BayPort RoyalVictor ScottSt. David's PrimaryMiddle SchoolsWhitney Middle SchoolDellwood Middle SchoolClearwater Middle School“We've partnered with more than 100 respected industry volunteers, both current and retired, to deliver this programme within these schools. From business owners and senior executives, to front of the house personnel, to chefs and taxi drivers, all volunteers commit to four months in a classroom. They get to know the kids, share how hospitality skills are an important part of being successful in what they do, and impart their love and excitement for this industry,” said Ms Lacey.“The four areas of focus are: Bermuda Pride, which seeks to instil in students an understanding of what makes their Island home unique and special from a resident, visitor and hospitality perspective Good Manners & Ambassador Training, which focuses on the reinforcement of positive social behaviour Standards of Service & Ethics, defining character, integrity and interacting with others Dining & Etiquette, (which you attended!) a closing lesson that teaches important social skills and rewards them for their participation in the programme.“The success of this programme is due to the dedication and enthusiasm of our great group of volunteers, and the support of school principals and teachers in bringing it into the classrooms. The students who've taken part in the programme have also participated in the May 24 Parade as Hospitality Ambassadors, have been featured on TV with the jingles they've created to demonstrate their Bermuda Pride, and have been invited to numerous events and activities focused on the hospitality industry.“Once these students enter high school, they have the opportunity to take part in the Ministry of Education's Career Pathway's programme — BHI coordinates weekly job shadowing placements for all students with an interest in hospitality starting in S-3, and they are also able to apply to join BHI's START programme, a certified programme from the American Hotel & Lodging Institute.“By providing engaging interactions with our youngest students and expanding it to meaningful and substantial opportunities throughout their educational career, BHI looks to fulfil our mandate of encouraging young Bermudians to seek a career in the hospitality industry.”