Harper Road McDonald’s employee Sonia Smith reacts as she’s informed by owners Myra (far left) and Tim (holding flowers) Harper, along with human resources consultant Janice Zvaleny (far right), that she’s been named Crew Person of the Year for the company’s Pittsburgh region during a surprise party Thursday afternoon.
BECKLEY, W.Va. — A local woman was crowned “No. 1 of a thousand” Thursday afternoon, but to her employers, she’s one in a million, they said.
“Sonia Smith is the ‘Crew Person of the Year’ for the Pittsburgh region and she’s wonderful,” Harper Road McDonald’s owner Myra Harper said. “We’re so proud to have her and she’s a real asset to the team.”
To set up the surprise, Smith had been told that there was a spill in the back of the restaurant. Without missing a beat, she hopped right to her imaginary task but was stopped before she made it to the back.
“Do you have a minute, Sonia?” Myra Harper asked.
Smith looked understandably concerned. After all, corporate officials and local media outlets had almost completely surrounded her.
“Aren’t you familiar with our Crew Person of the Year?” Harper asked.
“I have heard of it, yes,” Smith said cautiously.
“It’s you! You’re the Crew Person of the Year!” Harper said.
First Smith was confused, then the excitement set in. Tears welled up in her eyes…