Terrell State Hospital Holds 50’s Banquet

Denise Bell
Post Managing Editor

May 11, 2009

Last Thursday evening the employees of Terrell State Hospital rocked the gym and simply had a great time at the TSH 2009 Employee & Volunteer Awards Banquet.

Held in the Mendez Center Gym on the grounds of the state operated psychiatric facility, employees and volunteers were welcomed and recognized for their outstanding achievements by TSH Superintendent, Dr. Joe Finch and the staff of TSH.

TSH Chaplain David Stine presented a thoughtful invocation just prior to a cheeseburger and potato salad dinner.

The festive awards banquet was presented in a 50’s theme with a group of ladies dressed in brightly colored poodle skirts joining a group of men dressed in blue jeans and white t-shirts with greased back hair.

Several couples of brave and fun natured TSH employees opened the banquet by dancing the Bunny-Hop through the crowd and up on to the stage.

They then danced “50’s style” as the gym full of volunteer’s and TSH employees cheered them on and then delivered a standing ovation.

Next came, the presentation of the TSH volunteer awards. Seventeen volunteers were recognized for performing a variety of services at TSH with many donating thousands of hours to service programs that benefit the qualify of life for the patients at TSH.

Several groupings of employee longevity awards were distributed, with employees Virginia Chilcoat, Arnold Lovell and Vertis Storey each being recognized for 35 years of employment at Terrell State Hospital.

The prestigious Marie Ballard Award, which is awarded for Outstanding Nursing Leadership and Management was presented to Lisa Zerby, RN and Velma Roberson was the selected recipient of the Psychiatric Aide of the Year Award.

Next came the Health Services Award which was given to Donna Adcock for contributions made within her department followed by Stacey Hargrove receiving the Support Services of the Year Award for his dedicated attention to the grounds of Terrell State Hospital.

Lastly the Circle of Excellence Award was presented to the TSH Switchboard for recognition as the TSH department with the most positive attitude and cooperative spirit.

Congratulations to all the winners of all the awards for jobs well done!

Readers are invited to view the attached video clips and pictures of the TSH 2009 Employee & Volunteer Banquet.