MGM Grand "Pays It Forward" For Four Clark County High School Scholarship Recipients!

Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) has selected four outstanding Clark County high school students as scholarship recipients for the 2014 class to honor National Pay it Forward Day on Thursday, April 24.

“We’re proud and excited to award scholarships to these gifted students and actively play a role in changing their lives,” said Jason Shkorupa, ECF president and vice president of food and beverage for MGM Grand. “I was honored to be able to personally reveal the announcement to each of the students with our board, and the overwhelming emotion we all shared during the process reinforced how important our mission continues to be.”

The 2014 scholarship class is made up of four brilliant young women who will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the fall. The students, with a combined GPA of 4.21, include: Cindy Fuentes, Candace Kozell, Melanie Saucedo and Jacqueline Vasquez.

Well on her way to a successful future, Fuentes holds a 4.37 GPA at Northwest Career and Technical Academy (NWCTA) and plans to study hotel administration at UNLV. She is a member of the hospitality magnet program, has received certified hotel front desk training from TIPS Incorporated, completed NWCTA’s hospitality START (Skills, Tasks and Results Training) Program and is currently gaining hands-on experience as an intern at Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa. Fuentes was awarded with the Perfect Attendance Certificate seven times since 2011 and was named ‘Student of the Month’ in her Spanish class in February.

Kozell is a multi-talented student with a 4.13 GPA from Southwest Career and Technical Academy (SWCTA) who plans to pursue a degree in hotel administration at UNLV. She is studying in the hospitality magnet program at her school and has been a National Honor Society member since 2012. Kozell has been active with the state DECA program since 2011 and recently took home third place at the Nevada DECA State Conference. With an eye for the silver screen, she also serves as a reporter for the Southwest Shadow, SWCTA’s broadcast network, and was awarded first place in the ‘Best in Show’ category at the 2013 Las Vegas Broadcasting Awards.

Boasting an impressive 4.55 GPA from NWCTA, Saucedo plans to pursue a degree in hotel administration at UNLV this fall. The academic ace received the Teacher’s Choice Award at NWCTA in 2010, has earned nine Perfect Attendance Certificates and received straight A’s from 2011 through 2013. She is also involved with her school’s hospitality magnet program, is certified in hotel front desk training by TIPS Incorporated and completed the hospitality START Program. Saucedo was recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award from NWCTA in 2010.

Vasquez holds a 3.8 GPA at SWCTA and will receive an advanced honors diploma with an emphasis in culinary arts and hospitality upon graduation this spring. She plays an active role in the Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), serving as chapter secretary, chapter treasurer and member while earning a gold and silver medal for banner design at the FCCLA State Competitions in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Vasquez is gaining real-world experience as a sous chef for Coyote Café at SWCTA and gives back to the community by volunteering as a cheerleading coach for National Youth Sports Nevada.

Founded in 2001, ECF is comprised of more than 20 of the top food and beverage and hospitality executives in the city who are dedicated to ensuring scholarships and unique one-on-one mentorship opportunities to deserving local students interested in pursuing a career in a related field. Scholarship recipients must display remarkable academic and extra-curricular prowess, show strong professional potential and demonstrate the need for financial assistance.

Along with scholarship monies, all ECF students benefit from the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program, pairing each with a mentor from the board for the duration of their education. The mentor provides academic assistance, personal and professional guidance and invaluable job and internship leads throughout school and after graduation.

Dress for Success Southern Nevada will outfit all new and current female ECF scholarship recipients with professional attire and image consulting for job interviews throughout Las Vegas, along with providing additional job-readiness tips and skills for the workplace. ECF students will also receive a full week’s wardrobe when they are successful in landing their first job. Dress for Success is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional clothing, employment retention programs and valuable image consulting and interview skills to financially-underprivileged women seeking successful careers.

About Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas

Comprised of more than 20 of Las Vegas’ top food and beverage and hospitality executives, Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas is dedicated to ensuring scholarships and unique mentorship opportunities to financially-underprivileged Clark County students passionate about pursuing a career in a related field. To support the mission, ECF holds a grand annual fundraiser, known as M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), featuring an exclusive dine-around, live entertainment and elaborate amenities. More information may be found by calling 702.932.5098, visiting www.ecflv.org or following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EpicureanLV.