Sparks resident Nicholas Carter Honored with Oklahoma Governor Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Sixteen individuals from across the state, five employers and two prominent media outlets were honored during the annual “Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence” recently held at the Phillips Pavilion on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Oklahoma City. KOCO-TV Channel 5 Anchor Paul Folger emceed the event.

Originally created by former Governor and First Lady George and Donna Nigh 29 years ago, the awards recognize individuals with disabilities with a Governor’s commendation for “Outstanding Achievements in Employment.” One of this year’s winners included Sparks, Oklahoma’s Nicholas “Nick” Carter, who received his award from Oklahoma Secretary of State Chris Benge and Oklahoma Department of Human Services Director Ed Lake.

Dale Rogers Training Center Employment Training Specialist Lorri Elston nominated Carter for the award. She said when Nick first started working as a greeter in 2012 for the Wal-Mart Super Center in Chandler, Oklahoma; some people were a little hesitant before interacting with him because they were unsure of the unknown. Nevertheless, Nick’s outgoing personality, high self-confidence and customer service quickly won over any skeptics and now many in the community know him by name.”

“Customers and co-workers now look to Nick for his can-do attitude,” Elston said. “He has a natural ability to strike up a conversation with complete strangers, a willingness to continue to learn new things and has learned to ask for help when he needs it. He also has a way with the customers that encourage them to want to be part of something bigger.

“He has also learned to challenge himself and will ask his supervisors for extra job duties. This includes putting away returned items and assisting customers by finding and returning carts for them. He has also been recognized as the top Wal-Mart Super Center associate in Chandler who raised money for MDA.”

When Carter isn’t at work, he participates in Special Olympics, attends camps and collects tickets for Chandler Public Schools’ sporting events.

“Numerous customers have expressed to management how much they appreciate his great attitude and look forward to seeing Nick and shopping at Wal-Mart,” Elston said.

The Governor’s Disability Employment Awards of Excellence competition and program is co-sponsored by the Governor’s Office, the Oklahoma DHS Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oklahoma DRS and the Oklahoma Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst. Award winners are annually selected by a panel of public servants and volunteers who either serve people with disabilities or represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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