Cao Kim said he was very moved by receiving the award, particularly since he had worked closely with Kay Vasse over many years and admired her deeply.

In making the award, Ms. Gooss stated, "Cao Kim has dedicated his life to serving refugees and immigrants. He has been an integral part of our ESL family in Henrico County Public Schools. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient."

Cao Kim has been RIS school liaison since 1991, working with newly arrived refugee and immigrant families and with the four area school systems to ease the adjustment of incoming students and to help them succeed in school.

Through the support of the United Way and the Office of Newcomer Services Cao Kim and his RIS colleagues -- Alor Kuol, Maria Hernandez and Erica Farrell -- ensure that the parents understand how U.S. schools operate and know how to support their children's education. These RIS staff build bridges to facilitate parent/teacher communication and orient schools to new cultures. They strategize and provide support services to meet the special needs of newly arrived students.