NMSU Student Wins State Restaurant Award

Date:  March 24, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Shelly Hill, a New Mexico State University senior majoring in hospitality and tourism services, was recently named the New Mexico Restaurant Association Employee of the Year.

Hill, a 1992 graduate of Pojoaque High School, was the only student to receive the award, which honors excellent contributions to the hospitality industry. She was nominated by her current employer, Way Out West Restaurant & Brewing Company in Las Cruces, for her leadership, customer service and quality of work.

"I feel like it's a really big honor," Hill said. "Hard work pays off."

Hill said she was surprised and flattered by the nomination, especially since she was nominated by two people she admires -- Michael MacHatton, NMSU hospitality and tourism services assistant professor, and Carol Miyazaki, Way Out West owner.

"The classes I have taken have definitely helped me prepare for this. I feel like Dr. MacHatton and all the professors have been a real inspiration," she said. "And Carol has been so successful with her business."

Hill helped open Way Out West. She started as a key employee and currently helps train new employees.

"She's an outstanding employee and has been here since day one," Miyazaki said. "We're very excited that she got the award. She's got a great attitude and is a fun person to work with."

Hill started on her career path as a young girl by helping at her mother's fast food restaurant, the Dandy Burger in Espanola. After moving to Las Cruces, she worked as a waitress at Red Lobster and completed internships at Harvey's Resort in Lake Tahoe and Garduno's in Albuquerque.

After graduating in May, Hill plans to work as a manager in the restaurant industry. She is the daughter of Bonnie Yates, of Espanola, and Ralph Hill, of Albuquerque.