HURON — The Huron Area Center for Independence held its Awards Banquet March 18 in the Nordby Exhibit Hall with more than 250 people in attendance.

Awards were presented for the Excellence in Achievement, Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award for Health Care. In addition, employee anniversary and community employment awards were presented.

• Employer of the Year: Dairy Queen of Huron was chosen as the recipient of the Employer of the Year. Dairy Queen of Huron has gone above and beyond to not only employ a person with a disability but make that person feel like a member of their team.

Barb, Jeff, and Austin and the rest of the team took the time to make sure Jay was properly trained, given the tools he needs to complete his work, and are involved in every step of his employment process.
Jay’s favorite part of his job is the fun atmosphere and being able to joke around with his co-workers. He also enjoys how supportive they are and take the time to get to know Jay. Dairy Queen has shown what true inclusion and empowerment look like. We want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do for people with disabilities and we happily award you with being the Employer of the Year. Congratulations Dairy Queen!
• Distinguished Service for Health Care: Michelle Brandenburg was chosen as this year’s Heath Care Provider of the Year.
Michelle is always willing to go above and beyond for her patients, working her patients into her schedule even if it mean she has to stay late at the clinic. She and her staff are always prompt in returning calls and providing recommendations regarding people’s health.
She has an exceptional ability to connect with patients and their families. She is always up to date on the latest treatment and is willing to look for alternative ways for treating an issue when the first line of treatment doesn’t work. She accepts all patients with open arms. She makes people feel heard and understood, speaking directly to the person supported themselves. She is a true role model when it comes to patient care.

• Excellence in Achievement: Sammie Johnson was named the Excellence in Achievement Award.
Sammie came to CFI in July 2021, her wheels turning  and ready to make choices about her life. Sammie stumbled a few times, but her comeback, get  up and  try again game is fierce.
Over the past year, Sammie has achieved some of her goals — like getting  a job that she loves at  Diamond In the Rough Boutique and cleaning at the Federal Building.
She also participates in Special Olympic basketball, volunteers in the community and has made many new friends. Sammie has grown  tremendously by learning new coping  skills.
As Angela Clay says. “Your award is not just a recognition; it’s a celebration of your hard work. Congratulations on your award! It’s great to see your hard work recognized.”
• Employee of the Year: Susan Burckhartzmeyer was named Employee of the Year. Susan is always willing to take on new tasks and give input to improve procedures which are in place.
She never complains about any new changes or committees that she is asked to join which involve more meetings. She is a great assist to the medical services teams and wears a lot of hats within the medical department. Her years of services make her an exceptional asset to staff.
She is always willing to answer staff questions and assist them with transcriptions when the registered nurse is not available. She also assists with consulting teams to help recognize issues that may be going on with people supported. The Center appreciates everything that Susan does for CFI! Congratulations Susan!
In addition, the Center for Independence recognized employees for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of experience. Ten employees received 5 year awards, three employees received 10 year awards and four employees received 15 year awards.
Receiving 20 year awards were Shawn Fernholz, Tara Mastel, Francie Friesen and Wendy Paye.
Valerie Augspurger, John Cain, Lisa Hepper and Carrie Lemke received 25 year awards. Kristin Kline received a 30 year award and Sue Mastel received an award for 35 years of service.
Community Employment Awards were given out for 1, 5, 10,15 and 20 Year Awards. Three individuals received one year awards. Four received 5 year awards.
Jay Kightlinger received an award for 10 years. Kayde Hall and Brian Stanforth received awards for 15 years and Clayton Werdel received an award for 20 years.