Way to Go: Chris Watts, East Islip
Chris Watts, 18, a senior at East Islip High School, earned himself a paid, part-time at the Islandia Marriott through his diligence while working there as part of high school’s career development class. Credit: East Islip School District
An East Islip teenager's work at a local hotel through his high school's career development class has earned him a paid, part-time position and recognition from the district's board of education.
Chris Watts, a senior at East Islip High School, was one of several students who worked at the Islandia Marriott for two days a week over a six-month span during the 2013-14 school year. His job responsibilities included such tasks as making sure that children weren't left unattended in the hotel's indoor pool area and folding towels.
Watts' diligence caught the eye of hotel guests, and several of them complimented him on feedback forms online, he said.
In his new position, Watts is a part-time pool attendant. "I just work as hard as I can," said Watts, 18. "I have a lot of patience, and I've learned to stay calm and think."
His efforts were honored last month at the East Islip Board of Education's meeting, which was attended by Damien Hirsch, the hotel's general manager.
"Chris is one of the best hires I've had in my 13-year career," Hirsch said. "Although he is only working twice a week, he gets more positive feedback than many full-time associates."
Watts, a comic book enthusiast, enjoys writing stories in his spare time.
'That's a shame' Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.
'That's a shame' Port Jefferson and Amityville are dropping their varsity football programs for the 2026 season. Newsday's High School Sports Editor Gregg Sarra reports.
