Always greet everyone by name and do so with a friendly attitude — that’s Denunta Dial’s motto, and one of the many characteristics that earned him the title of “Rising Star” for the month of December, an award given by the Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee.

As the committee’s second rising star, Executive Director of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Sheryl Smedley said Dial, Selma native, fits all the categories.

“A lot of people submitted [area employees] this month, and a lot said Dial was just so great and always enthusiastic,” Smedley said. “That’s what landed him the title of rising star.”

Dial is a student at Wallace Community College and has been working at the library as a student assistant for the past four years.

Becky Nichols, director of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library, said she can’t say enough positive things about Dial.

“He is just a remarkable young man,” Nichols said. “He does a great job greeting people at the front desk, helping people find books, assisting people with computers—just everything.”

Dial said after receiving the Rising Star certificate, given by Smedley and Ann Murray, retail committee member, the only way to describe his reaction was “shocked.”

He attributed his positive outlook and good work ethic to always trying to be personable and remember the names of all those who visit the library.

“I try to get to know everyone,” he said. “One of the best things a person can hear is their name.”

Nichols said it was no surprise to her that Dial received this title.

“A lot of our student workers, they do a little bit of everything, but Denunta does everything with a positive attitude,” Nichols said. “He has a wonderful smile and a caring heart.”

Along with a Rising Star certificate from the Chamber of Commerce, Dial also received a $25 gift card to Carter’s Drugs.

“Dedunta is truly a rising star,” Nichols said. “I think the world will definitely be hearing from him in a positive way.”