Applause Award Celebrates Great Customer Service

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

September 16, 2014 – Applauding excellent customer service and recognizing those who go the extra mile to provide support to fellow employees, students, parents and community members, the Applause Award is a revamping of the A+ Award for Exemplary Customer Service which has been part of the district for nearly a decade. With this revitalized program, it will be easier than ever to share the stories of how Amarillo ISD employees work to serve our customers.

The Applause Award expands efforts to recognize exemplary actions of district employees by making available nomination cards at each school and the Education Support Center, as well as an online form available on the homepage of the district website. Anyone can nominate an AISD employee for an Applause Award.

“Customer service is one of four core values in AISD. Just like in the business world, it is important for us to do all we can to meet the needs of our customers, especially our students, parents and taxpayers. The Applause Award is a great way for the community to help us recognize and thank our employees for giving the best service they can every day to every customer they come into contact with,” Director of Community Relations Susan Hoyl said.

An employee who receives the Applause Award is given a token of appreciation and thank you for their service, and a copy of their nomination. Each month those employees who received the Applause Award will be entered into a drawing for a monthly prize to be announced at the School Board meeting. Once a year, employees who have been nominated for the Applause Award on a regular basis will be recognized for their continuous exemplary customer service.

An example of “Applause-worthy” service is from a Sleepy Hollow parent who shared their story with the Amarillo Globe News. Sleepy Hollow Assistant Principal Cynthia Elders dedicated time to helping their son study and prepare for the STAAR English I exam. Not only did Mrs. Elders give their son the confidence to take the test knowing he was prepared for what was ahead, she helped him improve enough he nearly met the advanced level.

These stories also come from fellow AISD employees. Charla Cobb, principal of Windsor Elementary, recently nominated Ground’s Mike Lammers for an Applause Award. “Mr. Lammers came to Windsor on short notice to clean up our flower beds before Meet the Teacher night. He was very willing to do what was needed to make Windsor look good. I really appreciate his above and beyond attitude and great customer service.”