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June 26, 2009

Parkview graduate honored nationally

OKLAHOMA CITY — David W. Gwin of Oklahoma League for the Blind in Oklahoma City has been named winner of the 2009 Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award, by National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

The Salmon Award honors employees who excel in their positions at NIB associated agencies, such as Oklahoma League for the Blind (OLB). The award was named for the late Dr. Peter J. Salmon, who was instrumental in the passage of the Wagner O’Day Act and the formation of NIB.

Gwin works as a telephone switchboard operator for OLB at Tinker Air Force Base. He started his career at OLB in 1995 with summer employment while in high school.

“We are so proud of David,” said Lauren White, president and chief executive officer of OLB. “He deserves to be recognized for his hard work and dedication, so we’re thrilled he’s been honored with this prestigious award.”

Gwin has been recognized by co-workers, base personnel and customers for his strong work ethic, outstanding job performance, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to assist the callers he interacts with at Tinker AFB. He has worked as a switchboard operator since 2002.

Gwin, who was born in Shawnee, was diagnosed at age 2 with retinoblastoma — cancer of the eye — resulting in the loss of both eyes. He was later fitted with prosthetic eyes.

He attended Parkview School for the Blind in Muskogee, where he graduated as valedictorian. He received honors for numerous accomplishments, including wrestling and jazz band. Gwin graduated from East Central University in Ada with a bachelor’s in sociology and a minor in communications.

Information about Oklahoma League for the Blind, contact Sandy Wright: (405) 232-4644 or go to www.olb.org.

Information about NIB: www.NIB.org.

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