The Kent County Lodging Association (KCLA) has announced the recipients of its 2010-2011 Hospitality Education Scholarships. A total of 13 applications were received from students representing five different educational institutions. Four students will all be awarded $750 at KCLA’s next meeting on April 15, at Schuler Books on Alpine Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This year’s recipients are:

Laura Dean, sophomore – Grand Valley State University

Major: Hospitality & Tourism Management | Minor: Advertising & PR | Minor: Business

Jessica Mazzuchelli, junior – Ferris State University

Major: Hotel & Restaurant Management | Minor: Club Management

Susin Silawa, junior – Grand Valley State University

Major: Hospitality & Tourism Management

Margaret Smith, sophomore – Ferris State University

Major: Resort Management | Minor: Club Management; Special Events & meeting Planning

To be considered for one of the scholarships, the student had to be enrolled in the hospitality, travel/tourism and/or food service program at their respective college, university, or institution; must have been in at least his pr her second year of the program; must have had a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher; must have had a minimum of 500 hours of practical, on-the-job experience (including paid or unpaid internships) in his or her field of study; and must have been endorsed by the department.

Re-established in the summer of 2005, KCLA is a non-profit, membership-based organization made up of lodging properties and other hospitality businesses which service and complement this industry.

KCLA serves to promote practical and fair cooperation with local, state, and national governmental agencies on behalf of the association members. It also works to advance and promote the fair exchange of information necessary in the public interest, or for the welfare of the lodging business as well as practical public relations in the interest of the lodging business.