| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: | Victoria Sanchez Martinez |
| 9/23/11 | 505-343-9848 | |
| education@nmrestaurants.org |
Hospitality Industry Education Foundation Awards $34,000 in Scholarships
Scholarships Supported by Generous Donations from Local Restaurateurs and Vendors to the Hospitality Industry
The foundation is awarding a total of $34,000 for the 2011-2012 academic year. Scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors, as well as those entering their sophomore, junior and senior years in college.
These scholarships are made possible due to the generosity of NMRA members, as well as support from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. For the tenth year in a row, we received funds from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Co-Branded Scholarship Program. This program allows us to double the amount we award in New Mexico.
For more information about the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation or the Scholarship Program please contact Victoria Sánchez Martínez at 800-432-0740 or education@nmrestaurants.org.
The scholarship recipients are as follows. The name of their chosen academic institution and the name of the scholarships they received are also indicated.
| Scholarship Recipient | School Attending | Scholarship Received |
| Patrick Abalos | New Mexico State University | Melendres, Melendres and Harrigan |
| Emily Alden | Johnson and Wales University | Michael Allen Fuller II Memorial |
| Htet Aung | Culinary Institute of America | Friends of the Foundation |
| Kelly Conrad | New Mexico State University | FA West Memorial |
| Albert Kyle De La Fuente | New Mexico State University | Church Street Cafe |
| Melanie DeLorenzo | University of New Mexico | Monroe’s Restaurants |
| Robin Falconer | Central New Mexico Community College | Taco Box |
| Taylor Fresquez | New Mexico State University | Frontier and Golden Pride |
| Audrina Garcia | New Mexico State University | Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ |
| Nichole Griffin | New Mexico State University | Frontier and Golden Pride |
| Timothy Jimenez | New Mexico State University | Double Eagle de Mesilla |
| Michaela Kelly | New Mexico State University | Valencia Flour Mill |
| Octavio Martinez | New Mexico State University | Frontier and Golden Pride |
| Luisa Rojas | New Mexico State University | Frontier and Golden Pride |
| Emily Roof | New Mexico State University | Sysco New Mexico |
| Hannah Taylor | Northern Arizona University | Scalo Northern Italian Grill |
| Cara Turney | New Mexico State University | Furr’s Family Fresh Buffet |
| Andrea Wein | New Mexico State University | Sysco New Mexico |
The Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the educational mission of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. In addition to administering the ProStart Program, HIEF awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in the hospitality industry. To learn more about HIEF programs call 1-800-432-0740.
