LAMONT, Calif. — A local woman who received international recognition was celebrated by her peers for her success. Mayra Villalpando, manager of the McDonald's restaurant in Lamont, won a Ray Kroc Award. The award recognizes the top-performing McDonald's restaurant managers worldwide.

Villalpando represents the top one percent of restaurant managers to receive the honor.

A group of friends and co-workers surprised her with a luncheon held at the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. She says "it feels great being selected among the best restaurant managers and I am happy to have McDonald's as an employer."

She will receive her award next April at a gala in Orlando.