OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - A 19-year-old employee was recognized Thursday morning for winning a nationwide award from her company. Because of that, she was also surprised with an early Christmas present.
It was an emotional celebration for 19-year-old Brianna Alston in front of Cornerstone Caregiving’s office. Her family and co-workers were elated and welcomed her with cheers as she arrived.
"Just in disbelief,” Alston said. “I think I shed a few tears. I was definitely just shocked."
She was chosen as national caregiver of the year within her company.
"You deserve this, you have worked for this and all of these people here are just so excited for you,” the company’s operating director Bailee Adams said before her family and co-workers cheered her on.
What’s an award celebration without a surprise? In this case, it can be considered an early Christmas present as they gave her a new car.
"I'm just so grateful for you guys,” Alston said as she hugged a co-worker after sitting in the driver’s seat. “Thank you."
It’s a welcome and life-changing sight for her. Alston said she lost her car at the beginning of this year and that forced her to rely on others for getting back and forth to and from work.
"This will make life so much easier and my job so much easier,” she said.
One of her in-home care clients showed up to congratulate her.
"She has become family,” Theresa said with her daughter Lindsay as they stood with Alston. “It didn't take very long and she just became another one of my children. We just love her, she fits right in."
Alston’s positive attitude and hard work led to this moment. Others took care of the caregiver Thursday and gave her the ability to keep driving forward and inspiring others.
"Keep on pushing,” Alston said. “Keep on being that light, keep on being that joy that people love to see."
Alston was chosen for the award out of 7,000 others up for consideration.
