FREEPORT -- Jordan McLaughlin, a Medway resident, was awarded a scholarship by the Maine Innkeeper's Association Education Foundation, affiliated with the Maine Innkeepers Association (MEIA) at a gala dinner at the Grand Summit Hotel in Newry on June 16, announced Executive Director Greg Dugal. The scholarship dinner was part of the Fourth Annual Tees & Textbooks event which combined the awards night and a successful Hospitality Golf Classic with 72 players at Sunday River Golf Club the following day. The scholarship program was initiated to encourage Maine students pursuing hospitality careers.

Jordan McLaughlin was awarded a scholarship for $500 named for Harold T. Nelson and Irving E. Small, founders of Nelson and Small, Inc. wholesale distributors to the hospitality industry. Nelson and Small Inc., now operated by the founders' sons, sponsored the scholarship.

McLaughlin, who is attending Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, is pursing further education in the Culinary Arts. He was named Student of The Year in the Northern Penobscot Technical Region, and has received rave reviews from his supervisor where he works on his culinary skills at the Governor's Restaurant.

"Tourism is the largest industry in Maine, and we hope to encourage and inspire students like Jordan to pursue a great career in hospitality right here in the state," said Greg Dugal. "It is an honor to be able to provide partial support to outstanding Maine students like Jordan."

The scholarship program created to support and inspire Maine students pursuing hospitality careers awarded $8500 to ten students this year, and over $120,000. to 209 students since it's inception in 1984.

Jordan McLaughlin (center) is awarded a Maine Innkeepers Association Education Foundation Scholarship by Tom Tobiassen of Nelson and Small Inc., the scholarship sponsors, and MEIA board member Jeanne Carpentier.

About the Maine Innkeepers Association

The Maine Innkeepers Association, a leading provider of tourism information to both Maine's lodging industry and its visitors, represents over 700 B&Bs, camps, cottages, hotels, inns, motels and resorts across Maine, and their suppliers. Through communication, education, promotion and government affairs, the Association helps its members achieve prosperity and deliver a quality product to the consumer. Maine Innkeepers Association is located in Freeport, ME and can also be found at www.maineinns.com.