Ushering in the Future

Release Date: Friday, April 15th 2011

Congratulations to the Downtown SAM Class of 2011! Thirty-one Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees, known as SAMs, graduated on April 8. The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (1200 New York Avenue) hosted the ceremony, which featured inspirational speeches, a special guest appearance by retired DC detective Joseph B. Haggerty, a comedy skit performed by the new hires and nods to SAMs both new and old, including recipients of this year’s SAM of the Year awards.

“Each SAM that joins us adds energy,” noted Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the DowntownDC BID, who encouraged the SAMs to “keep the idea of [being] ‘the best’ in your head because we think you’re the best and we want everyone else to know that as well.”

The new SAMs joined about 80 BID staff who currently present a visible, professional and welcoming face in Downtown by patrolling and maintaining the 138-block area between Union Station and the White House seven days a week. They offer directions, notify police when trouble arises; provide after hours escort service to garages or public transportation; engage the homeless; and remove litter, trash and graffiti.

	Five-year service awards winners Julio Martinez, Julio Mendez, Carlos Acevedo and Marquis Stuart

Kudos to the 17 Safety/Hospitality SAMs, who completed a rigorous multi-week training program to graduate: Sijad Abdalrazzak, Samuel Davis, Barron Bey, Milton Jones, Joseph Shepherd, Oyoo Okumu, Russell Robinson, Jamaca Johnson, Sandra Tapscott, Amanda Chavers, Stephanie Haygan, Patricia Young, Nadia Calix, Marquez Clifford, Ezra Bryant, Shelton R. Roseboro, and Robert Joyner.

In addition, 14 Maintenance SAMs received a passing grade: Bernard Bond, Dennis Flack, Marcus Hayes, Ernest Johns, Sam McCullough, C’na Robinson, Charles Stroud Jr., VoydeVascoe Rouge, Ellen Washington, James Wells, Odell Williams, Shanette Williams, Michael Winder, and Tamika Young.

Executive Director Richard H. Bradley and Distinguished Service Award winner Afreda Mintah

Veteran SAMs were recognized at the ceremony for enduring and mastering five years of service. They are: Carlos Acevedo, Kearney Jones-Bey (supervisor), Cheryl Brown, Linda Jeter, Ron Jones (maintenance services manager), Denise Macklin, Julio Martinez, Julio Mendez, and Marques Stuart. Special acknowledgement also was given to Ebony Walton, the BID’s production specialist, who often provides motivational words and poems to the SAMs.

Afreda Mintah received the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding performance as the SAM dispatcher.

	De'Marco Head accepting Maintenance SAM of the Year Award on behalf of Timothy Hillie, Everett D. E. Scruggs

The 2011 SAM of the Year awards went to Timothy B. Hillie and Roy E. Johnson. The award is given to two SAMs who best represent what the BID’s SAM Program is all about. Workers are judged based on their morale, attendance, letters of recommendations, appearance, and other factors. Here’s a little information about this year’s winners:

Timothy B. Hillie is the Maintenance SAM of the Year. He joined the SAM team in April 2008 and has won the SAM of the Month designation in April and August 2010. Known for his remarkable work ethic, Hillie is a former US Boxing Association light heavyweight champion. He impresses all with his tenacity and willingness to assist with all tasks. The father of four is a champion inside the gym and out.

Everett D.E. Scruggs, Richard H. Bradley, Safety and Hospitality SAM of the Year Roy Johnson

Roy E. Johnson, the Safety/Hospitality SAM of the Year, became a SAM in April 2009, shortly after moving to DC from West Palm Beach, Florida. Described as inquisitive and enthusiastic, the former furniture showroom and warehouse worker, wasted no time learning the ins and outs of Downtown DC. The father of four adult children enjoys fashion, chess and meeting people.

Well done! Congratulations, once again, to all!