AWARDS

School-Related Professionals Member of the Year

Oupekha (Sam) Keomuongchanh

Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals

Oupekha Keomuongchanh (affectionately known as "Sam," while students respectfully call him Mr. Oupekha) is a paraprofessional at Thomas Jefferson High School in Rochester. He's been working for the Rochester City School District for more than 15 years and also is a member of the RAP Executive Board.

Sam earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Paris, France, in math studies. He speaks five different languages fluently. This makes him extremely valuable in such a diverse school district as Rochester. He goes out of his way to introduce himself and lend support to students from Laos, Haiti, Syria, Cambodia, Turkey, Uganda, Poland, China, Indonesia and Vietnam. He serves as a guide and trusted advisor to these students.

He is seen as a role model for both students and adults. Some of his students see him as a surrogate parent, because he supports them and their families with his unique skills and special commitment to helping people. Sam demonstrates excellence in every area of his field, including his relationships with his colleagues and students. He promotes a cooperative work environment.

The local union counts on Sam's commitment to the goals of NYSUT and AFT. He shows this with regular participation in union activities - including service on the exec board - and support for union issues. The RAP went through some tough times in recent years, and Keomungchanh was one of those who jumped in to help save it.

"When we were rebuilding our union, we asked for interested members to volunteer their services to help where ever the need was," said RAP President Margie Brumfield. "Sam was one of the first members to commit to doing anything. He believed in what we were doing and he wanted to be a part of it."