Annie Lin shares how proud she is of her son in this letter and shares the above photos. Congratulations Jerry!

On October 30,2009, Jerry and I were invited to Roanoke valley employment champions breakfast at the workforce Center at 1351 Hershberger Rd, Roanoke, Virginia for Jerry’s award as employee of the year.

When we signed-in and got name tags, I met someone who came to say “Hi” and “Congratulations” to Jerry. Then Jerry found something to eat and drink.

Beginning at 9:00am they had guest speakers such as Rochelle Betsch, Business Development Manager, Carroll Gentry, Chairman, Workforce Development Board, Jim Poythress, Dean, Virginia Western Community College, Doloris Vest, President, Workforce Development Board, and Jim Mueller, President, Incorporated Universal Design Specialist. At 10:30 am, after break-time there were 2009 Champions awards. Jim Rothrock, Commissioner, Department of Rehabilitative Services, presented an award for Excellence in Partnership to Stephanie Hoer, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, the other awards for Excellence in Making a difference to Kathy Tisinger, Roanoke Higher Education Center, and awards for Excellence in Professional Development to Jerry Wu and Kevin Roberts. The last award for Excellence in Leadership went to Fallon Park Elementary School.

When Jim Rothrock called Jerry’s name, everyone saw him jump-up from his chair and with smile on his face to get his plaque. Then I was asked for Jerry’s acceptance speech, which I gave. “Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honor to be here to received with Jerry his award as employee of the year. Jerry’s award came as a surprise to us, but as his mother I am very proud. Every morning, Jerry waits happily for “RADAR” to take him to work, which he enjoys very much. He truly likes his job as a cafeteria aide. Our thanks go to DRS, Career Support System and Fallon Park Elementary School and all persons who have helped Jerry with hi job. It has been very meaningful to him and to his self-confidence”. After we spoke everyone stood up and applauded for Jerry.

When Cindy, who is principal of Fallon Park Elementary School, received her award she asked Jerry to came and stand beside her and in her speech she said “Jerry did a wonderful job in his position as cafeteria aide. During school Fall Festival he threw a ball at the dunking booth to knock me down into basket…not once was twice”. Everyone laughed and also stood up to applaud for Cindy and Jerry.

Jerry and I had a wonderful time at his award ceremony. Special thanks to Kathy, Nora, Rochelle, Sara, Melinda and all persons who have helped Jerry with his job.

The next day, someone told me “I saw Jerry and you on TV news”. I got the message in my answer machine “We saw Jerry and you on channel 7 news”. Unfortunately, I did not see the news myself.