A.O.H.T.

Academy Of Hospitality and Tourism

Established on 2008, The Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, also known as AOHT, became a member of Winter Haven High School's circulum. A.O.H.T's main goal is to help prepare the students for basic skills in customer service and business management for the lodging and food service industries.Students will learn customer service basics, business etiquette, computer operations, and the many facets of meeting client needs whether it’s travel for business, fun, or conference planning. Paid internships are available following the junior year.

Fees:

Once an applicant has been accepted into the AOHT program, all applicable fees listed below must be paid in full prior to enrolling in the AOHT. A limited number of financial scholarships are available for fees. Those in need of financial scholarships must contact Linda H. Robinson, AOHT Director.

Career and Technical Student Organizations — All AOHT students are required to join DECA if they are in the Marketing track, DECA or FCCLA if they are in the Culinary track, or FBLA if they are in the Administrative Track. The dues for each of these organizations must be paid prior to enrolling in AOHT courses. The fees for any student organization is $25, which includes a club shirt.

AOHT Polo Shirt — All AOHT students must purchase the official AOHT polo shirt to be worn on designated on school days or field trips. The cost for the shirt for the 2009-2010 year is $25.

Culinary Classes — All culinary students must pay a $40 lab fee.

Marketing and Administrative Classes — All Marketing and Administrative track students must pay a $10 lab fee.

Brochure on the AOHT program.

 Hospitality Management... A Hot Career Field

The Hospitality/Tourism industry includes many potential career areas:

  • Business Management
  • Event Planning and Management
  • Sports & Entertainment
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Finance & Economics
  • Computer & Systems Engineering
  • Travel Planning
  • Restaurant Management
  • Chef
  • Hospitality Management
  Working with Business Partners

Academy business partners provide student internships, job shadowing opportunities, guest speakers, and a number of other supports to the program.
  Unique Opportunities

AOHT provides students with unique opportunities:

  • Regular field trips to local businesses
  • Preparation for college and work
  • Interesting courses and teachers
  • Hands-on projects that matter
  • Paid internships
  • Practical experience in the business world
  • A caring learning community
  Join the AOHT Team

AOHT is more than a set of elective courses; it is a team of dedicated teachers, counselors and students, working together on real-world projects.
  Location, Location, Location

Winter Haven High School is located near many tourist sites, making it an ideal place for AOHT. These sites will provide an opportunity for business partnerships, internships, field trips, and local community involvement.
  Instructors:

Linda H. Robinson, Director
Joy Maynard, Culinary Director
Lana Guerr, Culinary
Diane Plowden, English
Deborah Futch, Social Studies
Judy Joiner, Social Studies
 Applications are available online at www.polkacademies.com. They will be accepted January 11-22, 2010.