The Trustees and Judges of the Gold Service Scholarship have announced the winning 2020 Scholar at a reception and presentation at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London, on 12 February.
The new 2020 Scholar is Elizabeth Forkuoh, whose role is FBS Junior Assistant Manager at Strathearn Restaurant at Gleneagles, in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland. Having proceeded through the Quarter Final, Semi Final and Final assessments over the past several months, where tasks and interviews assessed a wide variety of front-of-house skills, Elizabeth proved to be a noteworthy and charming candidate through the entire process.
A special commendation was also made for Lauren Frid, who is Assistant Supervisor at Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental London, with the Judges noting her consistent performance throughout the competition.
Chairman of the Judges, Edward Griffiths, was full of praise for Elizabeth Forkuoh’s achievement, stating: “All eight winning Finalists deserve their place, and judging at this level is so difficult when the quality is so high. Elizabeth shone through with very rounded characteristics, and impeccable social skills. She has earned her crown as a talented Scholar, and Lauren Frid equally deserves her commendation.”
Elizabeth Forkuoh’s background in hospitality started at Stradey Park Hotel where she was a part-time Waitress while a student. She then joined Gleneagles in 2017 as a Chef de Rang in the Strathearn Restaurant, progressing to Head Waitress in 2018, and then to her current role as FBS Junior Assistant Manager in mid-2019.
As the new Scholar, Elizabeth will now enjoy a range of prizes with personalised opportunities to broaden her hospitality experience, including work placements overseas and in the UK, as well as a stage at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle for a State Visit, and a tailored educational course on Hotel & Restaurant Management at the Lausanne Hotel School.
“The talent pool of candidates gets better and better each year,” commented Alastair Storey, Chairman of the Gold Service Scholarship. “And the 2020 group of applicants has truly impressed the Trustees and Judges with their professionalism. Not only are their service skills totally on point, but they have a remarkable enthusiasm for the industry. Each one of them has become a proud ambassador for choosing hospitality as a great career option.”
