Hospitality and Tourism (H&T) is a leading industry in southwest Alabama. Careers in this cluster involve providing people with food, lodging, and related services. With the number of restaurants, hotels, event venues, and entertainment arenas in the area, this is an industry that continually needs workers. Through the Culinary program, students in the district are introduced to the skill set needed in local Hospitality and Tourism industries. The importance of the Hospitality and Tourism industries in the Gulf Coast regions will continue to grow as the city, county, and state develops as a vacation destination.
Family and Consumer Science (FACS) students learn about issues that affect individuals, families, and communities—especially issues that related to the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, and relationships. FACS includes both Food, Dietetics, and Wellness, as well as Fashion. Foods students learn the basics of cooking with an emphasis on health and nutrition. In the lab, students measure, stir, and cook as they follow recipes. Fashion students learn how to design clothing and accessories. They also have the opportunity to create original designs or adapt fashion trends as they sketch designs, select fabrics, and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design.
Students in H&T and FACS earn industry-recognized credentials by completing all requirements for a program of study and demonstrating their knowledge, skills and abilities through the examination process. Their CTE student organization is Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) in which students compete in district, state, and national events throughout the year, such as Corks and Forks Seafood and Science Culinary Arts Gala, FCCLA Beef, Pork, and Peanuts Cook-off, FCCLA Star Events in Montgomery, and the World Food Championships in Dallas, TX.
