Melissa Garzanelli was named The Times employee of the month in October.

As The Times education reporter, Garzanelli was a key player in the The Times coverage of the Ottawa Township High School teachers strike, which involved long hours, late nights and daily coverage.

"Covering the strike was tough because it was such an emotionally-charged situation and grew more so as time went on," Garzanelli said. "And in the back of your mind, you know you're going to be working with everyone again once the strike is settled, so you try to maintain a level of professionalism and just do your job, even as you deal with the emotions."

Garzanelli has been a pacesetter in the newsroom, said Times Publisher John Newby.

"She is well-organized and a good planner. Her stories are consistently on time and well-written," he said. "She is a team player with a great attitude and steps in to help where she can. When news staff was asked for volunteers to learn page design, she was among the first and now is helping on a regular basis."

In October 1999, Garzanelli won The Times annual Fright Write contest and it was then The Times discovered her talent. She started as a correspondent in December 1999 and became full-time in June 2003.

"My favorite part of my job is that I have the chance to learn something new every day — talking to people about their lives, learning about new legislation or digging in deeper on an issue," she said. "My job is never monotonous."

Monthly winners are awarded a parking space, their name on a plaque, a Times embroidered shirt, a coffee mug and $25 added to their paycheck.