Loretto celebrated employees yesterday at its annual Benchmark event, which honors employees who have reached major career milestones. Loretto administrators and managers celebrated 223 employees at the event held at Drumlins Country Club, which recognized milestones ranging from 5 to 40 years of employment.

Loretto employee Sherry Alexis was honored, celebrating her 10-year Benchmark Anniversary. She has worked in Loretto Housekeeping since 2013 and was excited to attend the event.

“I am ready to party,” she said before the event. “I can’t believe it has been ten years! This is the longest time I have worked at a job, and I am ready to celebrate.

Initially, Sherry didn’t know if she could attend the event due to transportation issues. When she told Loretto’s Chief Operating Officer, Christine Stanford, that she might be unable to go, she offered to give her a ride to the event.

“I have gotten to know Christine when I clean her office. I told her about how I really wanted to go but didn’t have a ride. I was happy when she offered to take me there, and I have been planning my outfit ever since.”

Sherry is originally from Trinidad, Tobago. She moved to Syracuse when she was 15 years old and is a Corcoran High School graduate.

When asked what she likes about her job, Sherry quickly replies, “The residents.” She said she loves getting to know them by simply saying hello on her daily rounds or stopping to listen to a story. She also enjoys making them laugh with her occasional dance moves.

“I love the residents because I can be myself with them. I like making them smile and brightening their day.”

When she arrived at the Benchmark event with Christine, she wore a new blue dress that her son picked out for the event, with a blue manicure and pedicure to match.

“Benchmark means a lot to me. It’s a great accomplishment, and I appreciate them recognizing us for the hard work we do every day.”