Sande Weiss Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship

Presented by The Dollywood Foundation and Dollywood Parks & Resorts

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Which Sevier County Public High School do you attend?

Introduction

While receiving a B.S. and Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Ball State University, Sande Weiss started her career at Opryland as a singer/dancer. She met Louise Mandrell and soon became Director of the Louise Mandrell Celebrity Shoot, growing the effort into the largest celebrity shooting event in the country. In 1997, Sande went on to lead marketing for the Louise Mandrell Theater in Pigeon Forge prior to assuming the General Manager position in 2000. Her responsibilities included oversight of operations, marketing and community involvement for the theatre.

When Ms. Mandrell returned to touring and the theatre sold, Sande became the Vice President of WonderWorks. She was instrumental in opening the attraction and oversaw operations, community relations and marketing. Sande then joined the Music Road Hospitality in 2007 as President/CEO, overseeing operations, marketing and business development for the Music Road Hotel, Music Road Inn and Music Road Convention Center.

Sande was selected by Governor Bill Haslam to serve on the State Tourism Committee, representing the entire State of Tennessee. After two years, she was selected to co-chair the State Tourism Committee and, as Chair of the Knowledge Committee, retained responsibility for research as the basis for the State’s Marketing Plan.

Sande’s knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to drive success and catalyze teamwork is unequalled. She prides herself on the ability to see the big picture but also fill in the important details. Over the course of her career, Sande has honed her ability to hire the right people for the right positions to make her endeavors a success. Being a great communicator who takes genuine interest in people around her, Sande embodies servant leadership – leading by making sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served first. Sande possesses the true spirit of hospitality, embracing the perspective that hospitality involves serving people on their time and possessing the drive and servant’s heart to do what it takes to get the job done right.

Outside of her career, Sande loves singing and music. She also enjoys shooting skeet, fishing and the outdoors.

The student receiving this scholarship should mirror the traits that Sande possesses and have a desire to excel in tourism and marketing.

Guidelines

Submission Deadline: 11:59pm 03/28/2025

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

Announcement of Award: Honors Night or Graduation (when your school announces awards)

Selection Criteria

The recipient must have a dream he/she wishes to fulfill in tourism, marketing, and sales and a plan to make that dream come true.
The recipient shall have demonstrated successful, but not necessarily superior, academic performance.
Financial need shall be a consideration.
The recipient shall have exhibited the following traits:
- Servant leadership – leading by making sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served first
- Attitude – a positive, enthusiastic outlook
- Never quit spirit – tenacious determination to succeed and excellent work ethic
- Dedication – commitment to accomplish goals and get the job done right
- Eternity – spiritually guided by a personal set of values that include genuine care for others
Candidates for the scholarship shall have attended Sevier County schools for all four years of high school.
The recipient must sign the scholarship agreement and abide by its provisions.

Section 1

Name(Required)

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Teacher 02(Required)

What 4-year college/university do you plan on attending?(Required)

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Section 2

Please share a brief essay on “Why I should receive the Sande Weiss Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship." (not more than 500 words)(Required)

Section 3

What is your Grade Point Average

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List major extra curricular accomplishments, offices held, honors received and key responsibilities. You may include both in and out of school activities.(Required)

Please describe your need for financial assistance to continue your education.(Required)

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Is there anything else you would like to share with us on why you are the best person to receive this scholarship?

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