On Wednesday, April 20th, Freestone Medical Center took time to celebrate some of its exemplary and most dedicated employees. The Hospital hosted a catered luncheon as they announced and celebrated its 2021 Employee of the Year, Q1 2022 Employees of the Quarter (clinic and hospital) and the 2021 Employee Service Award recipients. Tejun, The Texas Cajun, was brought in to feed the masses with more than 100 employees being served crawfish, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes!
2021 was the Inaugural year of the Employee Recognition program. As such, the April 20th ceremony saw the organization crown its first ever Employee of the Year 2021! Having been selected as the Q4 2021 Hospital Employee of the Quarter, LaCharles Bass, found himself among a very select group of individuals. Employees were given an opportunity to vote for their choice of Employee of the Year via an anonymous ballot and Mr. Bass was selected to be awarded for his overwhelmingly positive attitude, his willingness to always be a help, and the way he is always seeking to encourage and build up his fellow employees. His response was simply, “I can’t believe I’m being recognized for doing my job.” It’s that humble spirit that makes him the employee that every organization needs, willing to do whatever it takes for the success of the organization and never needing to see his name in lights.
Being selected Employee of the Year has its perks! Mr. Bass was awarded a commemorative plaque, a premium designated parking spot of his choosing, gift certificates of varying value, a week’s worth of additional PTO and serious bragging rights until this time next year! Employees of the Quarter (EOQ), one from the clinics and one from the hospital, were announced during the ceremony as well. EOQs are selected every three months and announced to celebrate their demonstrated actions and behaviors that best display the values of the organization: Integrity, Leadership, Stewardship and Teamwork. They are nominated by their peers and chosen by an employee committee to receive a commemorative plaque and gift certificate.
The Q1 2022 Clinic Employee of the Quarter is Kathy Hart. Mrs. Hart is a front desk receptionist in the Fairfield clinic location, and is described as being passionate about her family, her church and her job, and an avid supporter of small business. Co-workers sing her praises as the consummate team player, willing to help others, always respectful, honest and with a positive attitude. “We need five more just like her,” they say. Married to the love of her life for 42 years and with deep roots in the community, Mrs. Hart has “shown herself to be dedicated to this facility and her community.”
The Q1 2022 Hospital Employee of the Quarter is Erika Aguilera. Ms. Aguilera is an LVN on the Med/Surg Inpatient unit of the hospital. Born and raised in Teague, Texas, she has been with the facility since her graduation from nursing school in 2017. Her supervisor provided that she “has an awesome work ethic, and is compassionate and a patient advocate who is always willing to help or work extra shifts.” In addition to being the resident translator, a Ms. Fix-It and tech guru, Ms. Aguilera is a dedicated LVN and mother. When asked, her supervisor Aimee Posey said, “She is such an asset to this hospital and she deserves this award. Erika will never let you down.” With that in mind it’s easy to see why she was selected for Employee of the Quarter honors.
Only employees who have been selected as Employees of the Quarter are eligible to be voted Employee of the Year. Having earned EOQ status, Mrs. Hart and Ms. Aguilera will now be a part of a pool of 8 candidates who will be selected throughout the year to vie for the coveted distinction of being voted 2022 Employee of the Year!
Employee Service awards are given after 2 years of employment and then at the 5-year mark, and every 5 years thereafter, to acknowledge an employee’s longevity and tenure with the organization. Employee service awards consist of service pins and a selection of milestone specific branded items that employees in each tier are allowed to choose from.
The 2021 Service Award recipients are as follows:
–2021 Two year service award recipients were Rhonda Craig, Kayla Farmer, Katherine Gist, Mackenzie Mullen, Jake Pickens, Irma Ray, Rose Ross, and Amber Stacks.
–2021 Five year service award recipients are Steve McCarty, Susan Myers, Brady Self, LaQueila Simpson and Theresa Thurman.
–2021 Twenty (or more) year service award recipients are Amy Barlow, Lisa Horton, Misty Hughes and Kim LeNoir.
