Keeping The Spirit of St. Louis Alive and Well Every year, the Saint Louis Attractions Association grants the Spirit of St. Louis award to an individual who embodies the true spirit of hospitality and makes a positive impact on the St. Louis tourism industry. On May 20, the Science Center’s Octavia Pastoriza, a guest services representative, was awarded the Spirit of St. Louis award for the outstanding, above-andbeyond service she provides to all Science Center guests. Guest Services Director Michelle McGruder had this to say about her team member: “Octavia is an exceptional asset to any team, consistently bringing a strong work ethic, a positive, team-oriented attitude, and high motivation.” McGruder continued, “Octavia’s excellence in customer service is perhaps best exemplified by the time she temporarily left her support position in the parking lot attendants’ booth to assist a guest whose vehicle stalled while attempting to exit the parking lot through the gates. Stopping in the middle of the exit lane and preventing other vehicles from using it, Octavia made sure the guests were safe, helped jump-start the car, cleared the blocked lane, and kept the
“Octavia is an exceptional asset to any team, consistently bringing a strong work ethic, a positive, team-oriented attitude, and high motivation.”
impact on guest experience to a minimum.”
- Michelle McGruder
Octavia’s commitment to excellence is commendable. She has
Guest Services Director
become an invaluable, intrinsic presence at the Science Center, greeting every guest as though they were old friends she has missed. She is a positive influence on everyone around her and receives countless compliments on her warm, welcoming presence from guests, board members, and teammates alike. Even if she hadn’t received the Spirit of St. Louis award, she would
Thank you for your great work, Octavia!
still be recognized as the spirit of the Saint Louis Science Center.
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