Miss Alyssa Letang from Copthall was recently awarded the Academic Excellence Award for her exceptional performance in the Tourism Studies Programme at the Dominica State College.
The award was sponsored by Discover Dominica Authority and presented by President, Dr. Donald Peters, at the DSC Honor Ceremony on July 12th, 2022. The 18-year-old, who graduated magna cum laude as a second-class honors student, attained the highest GPA (grade point average) in the Tourism Studies Programme.
Receiving this award from Discover Dominica Authority was truly an honor. It shows me how I have continuously worked hard over my two-year tenure to achieve this goal. Though it was a rocky road, as I completed the majority of my semesters online due to the COVID19 pandemic, I overcame all these obstacles. Words cannot express how grateful I am to be Dominica State College’s top Tourism Student for 2022.
Alyssa Letang
The Tourism Studies Programme, introduced in 2004, saw 20 students graduating at this year’s commencement. The Dominica State College offers an AS degree in Tourism Studies, as well as an AS degree in Hospitality Studies. The college also has several inter-college agreements with regional and international institutions. Some of these include the 1 + 1 Articulation Agreement with the Nova Scotia Community College, the 2 + 2 Agreement with the University of the West Indies, the College of the Rockies, and Mount Royal University in Canada.
We want the students to be well-rounded when they graduate from the program. The support from the public and private sectors in awarding the top students will go a long way as it gives the students the impetus to continue to excel in the world of work or at higher tertiary educational institutions.
S. Katie Julien, Director of the Division of Tourism & Hospitality Studies, DSC
Notable Dominica State College alumni from the Tourism and Hospitality Division include:
- Almer Lawrence – Reservations Manager at Secret Bay
- Marisa Sabaroche-Jules – Operations Manager at Rosalie Bay Resort and Adjunct Tourism & Hospitality Lecturer at DSC
- Samora Joseph – Property Manager at Terra Caribbean in Barbados
- Nian Sorhaindo – Human Resource Manager at Jungle Bay Resort
- Sharzie Louis – Asst. Restaurant Manager at Sheer Rocks in Antigua
- Sarana Laurent – Asst. Restaurant Manager at Fort Young Hotel.
The tourism award was first established in October 2011 and is sponsored annually by
the Discover Dominica Authority.
DDA reaffirms its commitment to the development of the tourism human resource and is pleased to have once again partnered with the Dominica State College on this initiative. With the ever-changing tourism and hospitality sector, DDA recognizes the pivotal role of tourism human resource in the sustainable growth, competitiveness, and overall success of the industry. DDA wishes Ms. Letang all the best in her future endeavors.
Odile Jno. Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager, DDA
