Rosecrance honored seven employees with S.T.A.R. Awards on March 2 during the 21st annual employee recognition dinner.
More than 600 employees and their guests attended the event at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center. The S.T.A.R. Award honors employees for outstanding service, teamwork and attitude. The “R” in the award’s name stands for recognition.
Your 2016 S.T.A.R. Award winners are: Ericka Moore, case manager specialist in the criminal justice program at the Rosecrance Ware Center; Katie Heisler, team leader at the Rosecrance Berry Campus and school-based health center; Sang Capone, corporate compliance officer at Rosecrance Health Network; Cindy Knauer, client accounts representative at the Rosecrance Ware Center; Nannatte Heshelman, addiction counselor at the Rosecrance Harrison Campus; and Denise Johnson, recovery home specialist at the Rosecrance Marlowe House.
A special (and surprise) seventh S.T.A.R. Award was given to Rosecrance President/CEO Philip Eaton, who celebrates 45 years of employment in 2016. Eaton started at Rosecrance as a social worker in 1971. Eaton’s surprise introduction was given by Jeff DiBenedetto, president and the Rosecrance Health Network Board of Directors, and Eaton brought his wife, Cherri, to the stage during his acceptance speech.
“There were so many people who helped in this journey and so many stories of how it all worked together: board members and generous people in our community, service clubs, foundations,” Eaton said. “We have made some bold steps, and we’re going to have more bold steps. I wish I was 40 years old again, but I’m not. You guys are going to have to step forward and keep those bold steps going. It’s going to be up to you.”
The “100 Years of Stars: A Look Back in Time” dinner helped celebrate Rosecrance’s 100th anniversary in 2016 and had a vintage theme – many employees wore dresses, suits other costume accessories representing different decades. Employees also wrote phrases on stickers to complete the sentence, “I’m passionate about the work I do because …” which was displayed on a sign at the back of the room.
A total of 58 people were nominated for S.T.A.R. Awards this year. Congratulations to our winners and all who were nominated!