Nov. 16, 2008 — Tommy Star did it again Saturday night — dancing on stage in his bright yellow outfit with the enormous shades to award the best and brightest in the hospitality industry.
The seventh annual Tommy Star Awards by the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association shined the spotlight on people who provide the backbone of the territory's economy, the ones who meet visitors face to face and make them feel welcome.
Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort was transformed into the island's own bit of Hollywood, complete with a ceremony befitting the Academy Awards, presided over by the island's own Athniel "Addie" Ottley as master of ceremonies.
The night is glitz and glitter. It's the night when you dress to kill; the night when "if you've got it, flaunt it" is the dress code. With attendees handsome in black tuxes or resplendent in long gowns of satin and silk, deep-cut bouffant mini dresses and sparkling jewelry, the evening's dynamic was flair and fun.
Starting with the red-carpet treatment in the lobby and extending to the grand ballroom, the island's elegant were introduced by Chanel Figueroa, Tourism deputy commissioner, as she greeted guests upstairs while a video of the arrivals played at the downstairs cocktail reception.
The Ah We Band kept a lively tempo, while two huge screens on either side of the stage ran videos of all the contestants, showing them talking about their jobs, providing a quick and colorful montage of island life.
The real star of the evening was Mary Gleason, who received the association's 2008 Tommy Star Award of Excellence. Gleason, in fact, was part of the committee that spawned the mascot six years ago. Tommy's brief career, however, pales beside that of Gleason's 40-some years in the hospitality industry.
Standing tall in a stunning red gown, Gleason was all "island smiles" with her characteristic graciousness and humor while accepting the award from Lisa Hamilton, association president.
"Little did I think when I got off that Caribair flight so many years ago that a day like this would happen," Gleason said. "I thought I'd be here for a month or two, and suddenly it's 40 years later."
That 40-year stopover has turned out to be the hospitality industry's blessing. She worked 25-plus years at the Reef, retiring in 2002 as vice president of sales and marketing. She has been and still is an active voice in the community, volunteering on various boards — including the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber Commerce, the St. Thomas-St. John Tourism Association and the Humane Society. An active Rotarian, Gleason spearheaded the Rotary Club of St. Thomas' "Baby, Think it Over" project in the island's schools, a program aimed at delaying teenage pregnancy while teaching proper infant care. Hamilton introduced Gleason with humor and honor as "my former boss, my mentor," under whom she had worked under for several years at the Reef.
"I always remember," Hamilton said, "when something wasn't going exactly the way it should, Mary standing a little apart, going 'tsk, tsk.' We all paid attention at that sound."
There was no "tsking" Saturday night as Gleason was warmly greeted by all, including her former mentor, Nick Pourzal, previous Reef manger and the 2007 recipient of the award.
Gleason lauded other mentors, including Leona Bryant, former Tourism director; her first boss, Milan Glumidge at Bluebeard's Castle Hotel; and Alton Adams Sr., the first president of the hotel association.
"He would be so very proud to see what has evolved from such humble beginnings," Gleason said.
Along with "heartiest of congratulations" to the night's honorees, Gleason shared a bit of wisdom she has gathered along the years: "I was told, 'Find a job you love, and you won't have to work another day in your life.' I hope you're a lucky as I was to have found such jobs."
The evening's humor was solidly nailed down by Jeremy Simon, 19-year chef at Mim's Seaside Bistro, winner of the Restaurant Associate award. Striding briskly to the stage, Simon said, "I'm so happy, so very happy. I really deserve this award. I just love what I do. I put in so much love — that's why I'm here tonight."
And the winners were:
— Activities and Attractions Associate: Troy Willock, V.I. Ecotours
— Airline Associate: Wilfred Omoare, Cape Air
— Hospitality Support Service: Shelly Blyth, Shopportunities
— Public Service Associate: V.I. Police Department tourism officer
— Restaurant Associate: Jeremy Simon, Mim's Seaside Bistro
— Hotel Supervisor: Naomi Hurlston, Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort
— Hotel Associate: Antoinette Gomez, Frenchman's Reef Marriott Resort
— Retail Associate: Veda Hodge, Diamonds International.
And the youngest recipient of the evening, donned in a smart white tuxedo, was E'jaiey Grant, a fifth grader at Yvonne Browsky Elementary school who received the Tommy Star Student Award for writing the winning essay about what Tommy should do. In part, Grant suggested that Tommy organize groups of students to hold regular cleanups: "The tourists would appreciate our islands more if they were clean."
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