The student employees of the Financial Aid Office received a break from their ordinary workday when they were honored at the annual Student Employee Appreciation Luncheon on Friday afternoon.
Every year, a small awards ceremony is given to the student employees in Financial Aid in recognition of National Student Employee Appreciation Month, said Katherine Mixon, who helps coordinate the event every year.
“I enjoy (my student employees). They work diligently, efficiently and rapidly,” said Mixon, an information specialist counselor. “I cannot function without them.”
The employees all were treated to a barbeque lunch and cake. The students were also given door prizes, ranging from movie passes to Wal-Mart gift cards.
“I enjoyed it. It was more than I thought it would be,” said Phylisha Taylor, a sophomore student employee from Ruston.
All the students then received awards in recognition of their hard work for the semester. Brian Howard received the Student Employee of the Year award.
“It was an honor to receive an award as a freshman,” said Bryan Williams, a freshman from Plano, Texas, who was recognized among other employees.
The employees also gave special honor and recognition to Marquist McCray, a sophomore student employee who was killed in an automobile accident last semester.
Working in the Financial Aid office is not an easy task, with employees often having to deal with irate students and phone calls from parents on a daily basis.
“It can be stressful, but the benefits are great,” said Taylor.
Among food, prizes, smiles and a warm friendly environment, the student employees felt appreciated.
“I loved it. I had a good time,” said Kendrick Pleasant, a freshman employee from Winnsboro.