KHS News

KENNEBUNK, Maine - A Kennebunk High School student was among the first local high school students to complete a groundbreaking dual enrollment pilot program in Hospitality Services at York County Community College (YCCC), culminating with a graduation ceremony held on May 8. 

Hank Flynn received post-secondary micro-credentials for completing the course, which opens doors to internships and employment opportunities with area businesses. Flynn’s mother, a YCCC graduate herself, was there to cheer on her son.

The year-long program, the first of its kind at YCCC and in the state of Maine, was designed to be accessible to all learners and introduced students to multiple facets of the hospitality industry, including kitchen operations, dining services, grounds maintenance, guest services, and laundry. Professional chef instruction was a cornerstone of the curriculum.

"I have never had better students than you guys,” said professional chef and instructor Charles Galemmo at the graduation ceremony. “It's been a lot of fun and a real pleasure teaching you."

Students from Kennebunk and Wells High Schools attended classes on the YCCC campus twice weekly, receiving instruction and participating in field trips to local hospitality-based businesses, particularly The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.

The program was developed through a partnership between Megan Murray and Robin Reidy, Transition Coordinators from Kennebunk and Wells High Schools, and Caitlin Grant, YCCC's Dean of Economic and Workforce Development. 

“We are so grateful for this partnership with YCCC and for the generosity from our local organizations like the Nonantum Resort,” said Murray. “We look forward to developing similar programs like these in the future.