Name: Palmyra "Sweetie" Tau-a
Age: 51
Position: Honolulu Community College janitor
Education: Nanakuli High School
Pastimes: Family; grandchildren

"I have never made my job a depressing place," said the Nanakuli homestead resident, known for her warm, friendly nature and constant smile.

"My job area is my playground. I come to work because I enjoy my work and I enjoy working with people," Tau-a said.

A janitor at Honolulu Community College since 1978, Tau-a is familiar face around campus, particularly around the building that houses the student activities center and campus bookstore. So much so, she was asked to become an adviser for the student Pacific Island Association organization.

"They asked me because I got to know them, I talked to them a lot, and we all got along really well," she said. "Out of pure respect, they called me aunty."

This aunty, who has a reputation of keeping clean buildings that are free of hazards, also helps out with campus activities, such as class registration, blood drives and other events. She was also elected union steward and served on the campus' Staff Development Council where her participation and suggestions helped improve work conditions and methods.

She was shocked when UH President Kenneth P. Mortimer announced her the winner, especially when she learned a half dozen people nominated her for the award. As is the custom for this native Hawaiian, she shared the $1,000 cash prize with family and co-workers.

"I still feel the same doing what I'm doing," Tau-a said. "Also, I had co-workers that worked alongside me all these years. Part of the credit goes to go them, too."