JACKSON, Miss.—Shirlene Allen, the nurse manager in the stroke program at Methodist Rehabilitation Center was named clinical employee of the year at the Jackson hospital’s recent recognition banquet.

Cynthia Kelly, who handles accounts payable, was named support services employee of the year.

Allen, of Jackson, attended the banquet as one of four finalists. Hearing her name called was an exciting moment, she said. “It is a great honor. There are a lot of deserving people who have won this award in the past and I feel that I’m in very good company,” Allen added.

A six-year veteran of Methodist Rehab, Kelly, of Harrisville, wasn’t able to attend the banquet but did receive a special phone call during the awards ceremony. While the finalists’ names were read, Kelly was listening over a speakerphone. “I was so surprised to win,” she said. “All of the finalists were so good that I never really thought it would be me. I’m very happy and very honored.”