By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Darden Rehabilitation Foundation recognized the achievements of students and employees served by the facility and employers who’ve worked with their consumers to help them achieve at a recent luncheon.
Darden, located on the Gadsden State Community College campus, assists adults and students with disabilities that present challenges to their employment. The foundation serves a five-county area and strives to produce well-rounded consumers ready to enter the workforce and society.
Incoming members of the foundations Board of Directors were introduced at the luncheon. Charlotte Campbell, La Gray, Sarah Kathryn Haller and Dr. Valerie Richardson will be serving on the board for the coming year.
Jimmy Hill of Gadsden Tool and Airport Café was honored as Professional of the Year. Hill has been an advocate of Darden for years and has given many Darden consumers opportunities at both Gadsden Tool and Airport Café.
Sam Long, executive director and counselor at CED Fellowship House, was recognized as partner of the year. The Fellowship House offers residential counseling for those who face physical or emotion challenges as a result of substance abuse.
Stamped Products was named large company Employer of the Year, and Tre Ragazzi’s was named small company Employer of the Year.
Gadsden City High School student Joshua Trammell was named Student of the Year. Trammell is employed at Zaxby’s.
Joy Smith, a Southside High School graduate, was selected as Supported Employment Employee of the Year. She works at T.J. Maxx.
Richard Harges, employed as a computer technician at Microexcel in Gadsden was named Most Improved Employee of the Year.
Southside High School graduate Holly Williams was named Etowah County Employee of the Year. Williams works at Eagle Rock Thrift Store.
Ben Robinson, who works at KTH was named Cherokee County Employee of the Year.