Staff Spotlight: Desiree Clark, Boles Rookie of the Year Award Recipient
February 14, 2022
Congratulations to Desiree Clark from our Adult Services team, who was surprised with the Dr. Russell S. Boles, Jr. Rookie of the Year Award at Latham Centers’ Annual Staff Awards Ceremony held via Zoom. Ben Mundy presented the award:
“There was a time when you had to be at a company for several years before you were considered a veteran staff member – before your peers and the individuals would come to rely on you and see you as a solid and reliable resource. One thing that these past couple of years has taught us is that this old thinking is no longer true. Desiree Clark, while relatively new to Latham, has established herself as a respected peer, a trusted staff member, and a reliable member of the team. Desiree’s positive attitude, her willingness to go the extra mile, and her ability to build a quick rapport has made her invaluable! These are only a few reasons why Desiree was nominated for and selected to receive the Dr. Russell S. Boles, Jr. Rookie of the Year Award. Congratulations, Desiree! You are truly appreciated for all that you do.” ~ Ben Mundy, Assistant Director of Adult Services
Pictured: Desiree Clark, Residential Counselor at Latham Centers, with her Rookie of the Year Award
About the award:Russell Boles was a great man and a true friend to everyone at Latham Centers. He served as a member of the Latham Board of Directors from 1999 to 2010. Even though Dr. Boles had officially retired from the board, he continued to be a force in the development of our school and our adult programs until his passing in 2019 at the age of 96.
Dr. Boles was instrumental in the growth on campus, and he was always interested in the success of our students and staff. He was one of Latham’s biggest cheerleaders — always upbeat, ready to tackle any issue impacting the school or our programs, and always going above and beyond to ensure Latham’s success. We lost a champion in Dr. Boles, and a very dear friend, but his legacy of service and kindness is carried forward by his family. We are so grateful to count them among our dear friends.
It is therefore fitting that this award in his name honors the new staff person who epitomizes the professionalism and grace that Russell Boles demonstrated.
