Lahoma Resident Receives Governor's Commendation

LAHOMA -- Joe Lewis of Lahoma received a commendation from Gov. Brad Henry Nov. 8 at the 20th Annual Governor’s Disability Employment Awards ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City.
Lewis was recognized in the employee category for his outstanding achievements in employment. The awards program stated this about Lewis:

“Joe Lewis has worked as a janitor for the past year at McKinley Elementary School in Lahoma. He is independent in all of his work that includes rotating cleaning schedules for the various parts of the building, securing the school after hours and dealing with after-school activities and special requests. Joe has become more self-assured in his job and in his interactions with his co-workers. He now has a comfortable rapport with the teachers and staff and enjoys laughing and joking with everyone. The concept of paid holidays and sick leave was something new to Joe. It took some convincing that there actually are days that you can get paid for staying at home. The school principal has been so impressed with Joe’s work ethic and performance that she recommended he receive a promotion and a raise. Thanks to this job through the Enid Supported Employment Program, and Joe’s own hard work, he is able to provide for his family that includes his wife, children and grandchildren.”

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards are held each year to honor outstanding persons with disabilities who have made achievements in employment. The awards also honor businesses that hire persons with disabilities and enable them to succeed.

The awards are co-sponsored by state organizations that support people with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. They are the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division; the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment and the Office of Handicapped Concerns.

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**NOTE TO EDITOR: High-resolution photos of the recipients are available upon request.