Contributed photo AWARD WINNER: Natalee Woodward (center) of Linton was recently named Supervisor of the Year at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Car;lisle. Shown with Woodward at left is Assistant Superintendent/Re-Entry Jack Hendrix and Assistant Superintendent/Operations Brian Smith, at right.

Woodward was one of 673 staff members in Indiana who was recognized during Employee Recognition Day. Department of Correction facilities across the state dedicate one week per year to both honor and thank the men and women who work in the challenging field of corrections.

Offering his congratulations to staff for their service, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility Superintendent Alan Finnan said, "You are to be commended for your public service and on the job professionalism every day of the year. You maintain public safety, dealing with challenging situations in an efficient and effective manner. You are committed to preparing offenders for a successful return to society. You have my thanks and deep respect."

In her job capacity, Woodward is responsible for all movement of offenders within the facility and also to other facilities.

"I enjoy my position," noted Woodward, "and work with a lot of wonderful people. My job is exciting because it changes all the time and is different every day."

Woodward is a 1988 Linton-Stockton High School graduate. She and her husband, Darren, are the parents of two children.