Pillager High School teacher Ann Hutchison was named Hospitality and Tourism Management Program Educator of Excellence at the Minnesota Lodging Association's annual awards gala Jan. 10, at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington.
Hutchison has been a business, hospitality and work experience instructor at Pillager for 31 years, also serving as coordinator of the ProStart team. She has taught hospitality management for more than 20 years and incorporated the hospitality tourism management program into her curriculum four years ago. Many of Hutchison's students move directly into the workforce, as she creates opportunities for hands-on experience in the industry. Guest speakers share their knowledge in her classroom, and students participate in six rotations at Grand View Lodge working in housekeeping, convention services, front desk, grounds/golf/maintenance and food/beverage. She also allows her students to tour other nearby hospitality operations.
