NAWILIWILI — Andrew Michaels was a first-timer, but Cayecee Cervantes was a four-time veteran. The pair was part of a group of 13 children of employees from the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club who took advantage of the resort’s
NAWILIWILI — Andrew Michaels was a first-timer, but Cayecee Cervantes was a four-time veteran.
The pair was part of a group of 13 children of employees from the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club who took advantage of the resort’s annual Take Your Children to Work program Thursday.
Greeted by the Executive Committee, the children were given a briefing on work ethic and standards before embarking on a day-long experience in the Nawiliwili resort with a segment devoted to seeing first-hand what their parents’ responsibilities and contributions do for the resort’s guest stays.
Andrew shadowed his older brother Wolfgang, who mom Marites said came to the program last year.
Jolene Ogle of the Kaua‘i Marriott’s Human Resources department said, “We try to tie in some activities that are Earth-friendly. Plus, this year, we have a Hawaiian cultural theme as well.”
Coming off the resort’s participation in Earth Day on Tuesday when more than 30 employees helped clean and repair the Nawiliwili Park, the students who took part in the Thursday experience were each presented with a Hawaiian indigenous plant to take home with them.
That plant was part of the Hawaiian Heritage Tour which has been incorporated into the resort’s landscaping and property for guests to learn more about Kaua‘i and the history of the Hawaiian Islands.
Hualani Duncan, an outrigger paddling coach as well as an employee with the resort, spearheaded the cultural portion of the day when she led the students through a learning experience about kalo (taro) and the students got hands-on experience in making poi as part of that phase.
But before any learning can take place, the stomachs must be full so it was off to the resort’s kitchen where the students, under the guidance and help of Executive Chef Guy Higa, each got to make their own omelette as well as one for their parent who joined them for breakfast as part of the orientation.
Concierge Sherri Newcomb, another veteran of the Earth Day cleanup, led the tour of the property, and once each student enjoyed lunch with their parent in the resort’s cafeteria, it was off to the different departments where the parents worked.
Cheryl You, the resort’s Talent Acquisition Officer, said the Kaua‘i Marriott employs more than 500 employees, and combined with the other Marriott properties on the island, Marriott employes more than a thousand people.
The day wrapped up with the traditional Sundae Bar in the cafeteria.
