Lawton & Donnie Fry Honored with Oklahoma Governor & Disability Employment Awards of Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY -- 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-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 Lawton’s Donnie Fry 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 Consultant Leona Webster said she nominated Fry, who works as a floater for Cosmetic Specialty Labs Inc., because he is an outstanding example of how to be a successful employee.

“Donnie starts his workday with a smile and a friendly ‘Hello!’ ” she said. “He does assembly jobs, labels, packages and stocks merchandise. Before that, he was a screen cleaner at T&S Printing for nearly eight years.

“The warehouse staff and the company president have said how much they enjoy working with him. Donnie has been active in planning new policy to provide a supportive and respectful environment for all employees. He was also named ‘Employee of the Month’ in December 2013 and has also received a pay raise.”

Webster said Fry lives in his own apartment at an assisted living facility and the facility’s staff have said his growth and self-confidence have increased since he started working.

“Donnie uses the bus daily to get to and from work, and he takes pride in being a valued part of the warehouse team,” she said. “He leads a very active life, decides how to spend his money, and he enjoys being able to plan for vacations and buy gifts. Donnie has also made numerous friends, helped the maintenance staff paint and fix things up during slow months and he’s used the skills he’s learned to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.”

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 that either serve people with disabilities or who represent organizations that provide direct care for them daily.

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