Gardner: Rotary's Administrative Professional of the year

The Rotary Club of Eunice’s Wednesday luncheon at St. Thomas More resembled a Thanksgiving dinner as local businesses gave thanks to area administrative professionals and honored the administrative professional of the year, Connie Gardner.
The nomination for Gardner came as a result of a letter written by Shirley Vige, Jr., Frank Tujague and Dominique Noel of Vige, Tujague and Noel Certified Public Accountants.
Gardner said that when she was handwriting the $500 check (the firm is the club’s accoutant) – which would be later awarded to herself – on behalf of the Rotary Club, she had no idea it would be for her. Gardner said that she writes the checks every year and didn’t suspect a thing.
“I was just very excited and kind of speechless but thankful that they think that much of me,” said Gardner. “I’m just very appreciative.”
Gardner received several prizes including a trip, courtesy of KEUN radio stations, to Branson, Mo., a bouquet of spring flowers and a $500 check from the Rotary Club of Eunice. Gardner was selected by Rotarians from among a myriad of nominations in the form of written letters from local businesses and business owners.
In the letter nominating Gardner, the administrative professional of the year was described as “dedicated, responsible and trustworthy.” The letter , written on Vige, Tujague and Noel letterhead, described Gardner as “more than just an administrative assistant.” Gardner was listed as a secretary, hostess, receptionist, telephone operator, copier, printer, mail sorter, supply and refreshment manager, tax preparation assistant, bookkeeper and office coordinator.
When she is not in the office, Gardner is a mother of three girls – two school-aged. This means that when Gardner leaves work from Vige, Tujague and Noel, she goes to her second job as being a full-time mother – which finds Gardner bringing her children to doctor visits, assisting with homework and attending school functions and sporting events.
According to the letter, Gardner is most deserving of the award and the recognition.