Samantha McCraw didn’t expect to win the Chamber Retail Committee’s “Rising Star” award, but everyone around her was much less shocked to see her receive an award they all believe she rightfully earned.

McCraw, the store clerk at Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, was greeted by members of the Chamber Retail Committee as she was handed the Rising Star award Wednesday morning, something she least expected when she walked into work in the morning.

“I’m a little stunned,” McCraw said moments after receiving the award.

McCraw’s boss Tim Gibbs, pharmacist and owner of Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, was not nearly as surprised to see such a hard worker win the award.

“Samantha is a very conscientious employee,” Gibbs said. “She’s here on time all the time. She never complains about the work schedule and she goes out of her way to help customers.”

Among those in attendance with the Chamber Retail Committee to present the award were Bonnie Molette and Sheryl Smedley. Molette said she has always had a positive experience at Dallas Avenue Pharmacy with McCraw at the desk.

“She makes you feel appreciative of being a customer,” Molette said. “She’s always going above and beyond to help the customer and is always friendly and helpful.”

Smedley said this award is a testament to those working in small businesses who strive to achieve something greater.

“It’s always an honor to recognize employees who are going over and beyond,” Smedley said.

McCraw was glad to win the “Rising Star” award, but she accepted it with humility. While everyone else sees a hard worker who is constantly pushing herself and others to give the customers what they need as quickly as possible, McCraw said she’s just trying to do her job the best she can.

“I just try to remember customers, give them what they need and help them find stuff in the store so they’re not searching forever,” McCraw said.

Gibbs said McCraw’s strong work ethic likely stems from her desire to provide for her children. McCraw is a single mother of two, who keeps not only herself but also Gibbs constantly focused on multiple tasks at the same time.

“I think that’s probably what makes her a stronger person,” Gibbs said.

“It’s not easy for her but it makes her a stronger person.”

McCraw has been working at Dallas Avenue Pharmacy for nearly four years. While her customers and co-workers respect her effort to get to know each of her customers on a personal level, to McCraw, she’s just doing her job.

“I just try to stay familiar with the stuff we sell, so that when they ask for something I can point them in the right direction,” McCraw said.

To nominate the next “Rising Star,” contact the Chamber of Commerce at 875-7241.