 It’s hard to believe the Anchorage Hilton
and Central Middle School of Science have
only been partners since August 2007. In
a few short months, the school and hotel
have already discovered a myriad of methods
to help one another!
makes this partnership so strong. The staff
at Central wanted to find a special way to
honor students who exhibit outstanding
performance or improved effort, and the
staff at Hilton had the perfect reward: a
meaningful meal with the principal! Thus,
“Lunch with the Principal” was born. Every
month, one student from each team is
selected by teachers for this extravagant
treat. The lucky students are whisked off
to the Hilton for a fancy lunch, where they
get some personal time with Ms. Lisa
Zelenkov, Central’s principal. Students rave
about everything from the Hilton’s food
and “fancy glasses” to the kind employees
and “cool waiters” who make this monthly
event possible. Ms. Zelenkov adds, “I
liked spending time with great kids who
are making great choices in their lives.”
Dozens of students have already benefited
from this monthly event! |
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The Anchorage Hilton’s generosity is
spread to the Central staff members, as
well. The SBPC students rely heavily on
the school’s staff when sponsoring school
dances, activities, and fundraisers. The
Anchorage Hilton provides Starbucks
coupons for the students to distribute in
thanks, and they have even donated a
“Bounce Back Weekend” to the school.
This free weekend stay for two at the
Hilton will be given to a lucky staff member
and SBPC helper whose name is drawn at
the end of the school year. Wow!
In addition to these fabulous donations,
the Anchorage Hilton also helps
the Central students by donating time.
Barbara Krekel, Director of Catering and
Convention Services, conducted mock
job interviews with SBPC students to help
them prepare for the real interviews they
will soon face.
How does Central give back for all this
generosity? In many ways! They have collected
and compiled small articles written
by hotel managers, and turned them into
newsletters for the entire Anchorage Hilton
staff. They also plan to help with the City
of Lights stringing and Anchorage’s annual
Citywide Cleanup Week. And, most importantly,
the students work closely with Karen
Vezina, Human Resources Director, to promote
a strong partnership.
It’s been an exciting first year for this
new duo, and the students and staff
at Central feel exceptionally grateful to
have the Anchorage Hilton as a business
partner. |
