VAIL VALLEY, Colorado — The Ritz-Carlton, Beaver Creek in Colorado's Vail Valley held a career fair for Berry Creek Middle School students last week.

“This was the best day ever,” said one eighth-grader who participated in the event.

The hotel hosted 43 eighth-grade students from Berry Creek Middle School. The event was the culmination of the property's “Succeed through Service” program, a Ritz-Carlton corporate-wide initiative that aims to engage with students through career exploration and contribute to their personal growth through community involvement.

“We jumped at the opportunity to introduce students to the hospitality industry and community service,” said human resources director Jim Anderson. “We're not only investing in their future but the future of our hotel as well.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch initiated the program with Berry Creek Middle School after presenting the idea to life management teacher Narda Reigel and receiving an enthusiastic response.

In early February, staff from the Ritz-Carlton visited the school to introduce the students to the hospitality industry, outlining hotel positions and career trajectories. They also presented the students with a month-long project, which involved compiling a list of local and national animal shelters and organizations to be included in the resort's pet handbook. The students presented their work to the hotel at Thursday's career fair.

For two hours, the students participated in interactive activities the hotel staff created to introduce different facets of the hotel industry. One station involved dodging obstacles while carrying a food tray. Another had students communicating via the handheld receivers used by many of the hotel's departments. The eighth-graders also toured the property, including Wolfgang Puck Spago's kitchen.

For details on The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and its community outreach, call Public Relations Coordinator Jackie Randell at (970) 343-1023.