Published: May 08, 2008 04:12 pm            

TDCJ holds banquet to show appreciation for employees

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees were recognized and honored for the jobs they do during the annual employee appreciation banquet at the Skyview and Hodges prison units in Rusk on Wednesday.

“It’s a nice gesture,” Windham school teacher Debbie Foster said. “Not every job would take the time every year to do this for its personnel.”

Several staff members proved they are much more talented at their jobs than they are at singing and dancing during “auditions” of episodes of “Skyview/Hodge Idol” and “Dancing with the Skyview/Hodge Stars.”

Idol judges Tracy “Randy Jackson” Session, Chastidy “Paula Abdul” Goodwin and Randy “Simon Cowl” Potts named rap duo “Rehab” (Thomas Rogers) and “T-post” (Rachael Rocka), winners of the singing competition.

The pair narrowly edged past competitors “Patsy D’Kline” and “Wannabe-Annie” — both of whom the judges panned as they warbled their ways through “Walking After Midnight,” and “Tomorrow,” respectively.

“Rehab” went on to show his second talent when he and partner Judy Lindsey won “Dancing with the Skyview/Hodge Stars.”

The couple started with the waltz, but when “Rehab” busted his break-dancing moves the crowd went wild.

“He did such a good job,” Lindsey said. “I just stood back and let him do his thing.”

Employees were also treated to a barbecue lunch sponsored by the wardens — side dishes were provided by staff — and other entertainment by fellow prison employees.

“Everyone does such a great job every year,” staff member Wendy Smelley said. “It really does make you feel special to know they put so much time and creativity into making this fun for everyone.”

The prison’s gym was decorated in a luau theme, with inmate artwork of tropical paradises and seaside sunsets decorating the walls.

Head Warden Todd Foxworth also paid tribute to long-time event sponsor Jim Perkins, of Citizens First Bank.

“He really supports us state employees,” Foxworth said as he presented Perkins with a wooden Texas state seal, hand carved by a member of the prison’s maintenance department. “He’s always eager to help support this event to show his appreciation for the people that help keep this facility safe and secure.”

Perkins said, “This is a wonderful tribute. I appreciate it very much.”

        

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