Marriott hands out student scholarships

NAWILIWILI — Two Kaua‘i students were honored by the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club Wednesday, as part of a scholarship program for children of Marriott employees.

This year, the scholarship recipients just happen to be travel industry majors.

Tori Watanabe, a graduate of Kaua‘i High School, and Alyssa Racca, a Kaua‘i Community College student, will apply the Jeff Loo Scholarship funds toward their studies.

The scholarship was named after a longtime Marriott International worker who spent time at different properties around the world.

“From his beginnings in the small town on the Big Island, he rose to become the senior vice president of human resources,” Brad Snyder, general manager of Kaua‘i Lagoons, said. “When he found out Marriott had acquired the Kaua‘i property, he was ecstatic.

According to Snyder, the scholarship, begun in 1995, now includes all Marriott properties on Kaua‘i, including the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club and Kaua‘i Lagoons.

“We felt that it was important to dedicate scholarships to children of Marriott associates in his honor,” Snyder said. “He was such a good role model for employees.”

Racca, daughter of Cyndy and Allen Racca, is working to graduate from the KCC travel and hospitality program.

Watanabe, the daughter of April Watanabe, is no stranger to the Kauai Marriott. She worked part-time there after completing an internship with her school’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism program.

During the spring semester, she was named the Marriott’s outstanding employee of the quarter.

She plans to attend KCC in the fall with an eye on following Racca’s footsteps.