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Fort Erie Student Finds Her Recipe To Success

Krystin LeRoy, a Grade 12 student at Fort Erie Secondary School, admits that in grades 9 and 10, she was not the best student and her future didn’t look very bright. 

It seems hard to believe that this talented, well-spoken student is the same girl who only a few years ago had a bad attitude, was telling off teachers and skipped school. 

Hospitality teacher and chef, Afshin Keyvani, recommended two years ago that Krystin enrol in the school's Specialist High Skills Major in hospitality and tourism.  Since then, her high school experience, and even her home life has turned around.  The program has helped her find direction, and her relationship with her mother has also greatly improved.

"Krystin has really had a miraculous turnaround.  We have seen big improvements in her attitude and willingness to learn and help out in all of her classes, thanks to this program.  She is now an ideal student," said Principal Shirley Scott.

As part of this Specialist High Skills Major, students at Fort Erie Secondary School run the school cafeteria and prepare all the meals for Pomegranate, the restaurant open on Wednesday nights for the community to enjoy.  Pomegranate is so popular that it’s booked for months in advance.  Krystin, along with six other students run the restaurant, plan the menu and prepare the foods.  Being a people person, Krystin is also the hostess.

When she enters the workforce, Krystin will be ahead of the game.  As part of the major, she has already been trained in customer service, and has received certification for Smart Serve and first aid.

As a result of this program, Krystin has found her strong interest in the hospitality and tourism industry.  She is even taking an additional course in cake decorating offered at the school one evening per week.

"This program has been a real eye-opener for me.  It has made me realize my potential.  I know now what I can do.  I am grateful to Mr. Keyvani.  He has opened the door of opportunity for me and has really inspired me to do something positive with my life," Krystin said.

Now known as a model student rather than for skipping classes, Krystin is thinking about her future and knows she has a successful life ahead.  She plans to study hospitality and tourism in college next year.

The hospitality and tourism major is one of three Specialist High Skills Majors offered at Fort Erie Secondary School.  The District School Board of Niagara offers majors in five different sectors — construction, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, transportation, and information and communications technology. 

Krystin is one of about 14,000 students participating in the majors this year.  Across Ontario, there are more than 485 Specialist High Skills Major programs to help more high school students focus on graduation and a future career.