Centenary names Student Employees of the Year
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary’s Office of Financial Aid and Office of Career Services have named senior Sabrina Handal and sophomore Reginald Porter as 2019 Student Employees of the Year. This annual award is given to a student or students who, in their work role, exemplify reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, and uniqueness of contribution.
“Student workers allow Centenary to achieve critical goals, but the combined contributions of mentors, supervisors, and peers help our students develop transferable skills that prepare them for the job market upon graduate,” says Rachael Peters, director of career services at Centenary.
Handal, from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, is a senior communication major with a concentration in new media and a Spanish minor who has worked in Centenary’s office of marketing and communication for three years. Kate Pedrotty, senior director of marketing and communication, nominated Handal for the award to recognize both her contributions to the department and her development as a communication professional.
“Sabrina came to us with obvious skill in photography and graphic design but she has also made it a point to keep learning every year and is always looking to improve,” wrote Pedrotty in her nomination. “In addition to her technical skills, Sabrina’s outgoing, enthusiastic personality makes her such an amazing ambassador for Centenary. We love having her represent our department and the College at both campus and community events. We’re so proud of her accomplishments, including getting accepted to some amazing graduate programs and winning Student Best of Show at the 2019 ADDY Awards in Shreveport.”
Handal plans to pursue a master’s degree in advertising or strategic communication after graduating from Centenary in May.
Porter, a sophomore psychology major from Colfax, LA, works with the office of community engagement in Centenary’s Student Development division. His nomination from Kaylan Walker, director of community engagement, praised Porter as “an unsung hero who displays commitment, a strong work ethic, and professionalism” who has made “unique contributions” to his division.
“On behalf of our offices, Reginald watered the fruit trees in the Centenary Community Garden almost every morning for an entire semester,” shared Walker. “His efforts have helped establish a new green space on the corner of Oak and E. Rutherford. Though only a sophomore, Reginald’s maturity surpasses his age as he is always thinking and planning for the future. Whether he is filing, typing, or doing other administrative tasks that require a great deal of accuracy, I can trust Reginald to complete these tasks effectively and efficiently. Reginald also has a demeanor that makes individuals who come into the office feel at ease. I have often had people comment about his warm and respectful personality which contributes greatly to this being a positive work space.”
Handal and Porter are two of more than 200 students working on Centenary’s campus during the 2018-2019 academic year. Other nominees for the 2019 Student Employee of the Year were Joseph Holmes, Zipphora Hyman, and Jillian Poole.