The work that goes on inside the Juvenile Division of Superior Court in the County of Stanislaus, California, is emotionally draining. But Monica Delgado, who works there as a clerk, “comes in with a joyful disposition” every day, says her co-worker, Teresa Johnson.

That’s partly why Johnson nominated Delgado for AFSCME’s Never Quit Award – and why Delgado is one of the latest recipients of the honor, meant to recognize “members who demonstrate true dedication to their work” and who “never quit on doing the best job they can.”