Coginchaug Junior Earns Employee of the Month Award at Lyman Orchards (Video)

Ben Szymanski was named Employee of the Month at Lyman Orchards on Thursday.

The award was given to the Coginchaug High School junior for his dedication and service to customers at Lyman's Apple Barrel in Middlefield, where he's worked since October.

"Ben's positive attitude inspires all that meet him," said John Lyman III, executive vice president of Lyman Orchards. "While we hope that working at Lyman's has made a difference in Ben's life, we know he's made a difference in ours. Thank you Ben in all you do to make a visit to Lyman Orchards even more special. We're very proud of you."

Surrounded by his parents, Peg and Walt Szymanski of Middlefield, and his older brother, Nate, as well as school officials and town leaders, Ben graciously accepted the award.

"Ever since I was a kid, I used to come down here with my family and I liked to look around and I also liked feeding the ducks outside. That's all I did until I worked here. Thanks," he said.

Ben's internship at Lyman Orchards is part of his high school's Transition Program which was established for students with disabilities to learn job skills, independent living skills and successfully participate in the community.

Elizabeth Shoudy, Ben's transition counselor at Coginchaug, said he is the first student from the program to earn Employee of the Month.

"He's cheerful and he enjoys getting out. He's happy to work with me no matter what the task is. He's a hard worker," Shoudy said.

"It takes a lot of hard work and effort to end up as the Employee of the Month and everyone at Coginchaug is really proud of you for this," said Andre Hauser, the school's principal.

Jane Massimino and Joann Wright, who work closely with Ben during his weekly shift at the store nominated him for the award.

"He has blossomed tremendously," said Wright.

After Thursday's award ceremony, Ben's parents thanked the community, the school district and Lyman Orchards for the opportunity they had given their son.

"Ben is such a wonderful kid," said his mom Peg. "The program is phenomenal. It's a combination of the school, the employers, the parents and local officials. It does take a village."

"What it shows is we've come along way in accepting that people with handicaps can be a contributor and a member of our community," said Ben's dad, Walt. "It gives him a sense of self-worth. He's also a very disciplined kid, so if you tell him to do something he gets it done."