Apache employee of the year

Armed with cleaning tools, she leads charge on dirtEarlier this month Castillo was named The Maids' 2007 Employee of the Year—selected from workers at the company's 166 franchises nationwide and in Canada.

"The purpose of the award," explained Joanne Basden, customer service manager at The Maids International, "is to honor and recognize the one working team member who consistently displays exceptional ability while doing their job."

Castillo stood out for, among other things, her dependability, work ethic and loyalty to the company, Basden said.