Young Immigrant Is ‘Achiever of Year’ Finalist

Thai Tang was 19 when his family arrived in Santa Ana after spending 10 months in a Malaysian refugee camp. Now 25, Tang has been selected as a national finalist (one of four in the United States) for Goodwill Industries’ “Achiever of the Year” competition. A moderately retarded Vietnamese refugee with very limited English, Tang has overcome his problems to become a successful worker and student.

Tang, who now lives in Tustin, was honored for his outstanding progress in overcoming a disability and for his excellent work record. He works at Goodwill Industries of Orange County as a dock helper unloading trailers of goods. He also sorts and delivers merchandise to the various staging areas in the plant.

When Tang first enrolled in a Goodwill training program in June, 1981, he could not make simple purchases, tell time or understand the alphabet. Tang now has a basic vocabulary of English words, a grasp of time concepts and can comprehend numbers, letters and commands. He also is in an English as a Second Language class.

Tang’s employers say his attendance and punctuality at work are virtually perfect. Each day he says nothing to anyone until his hard hat is put on. He then wishes all his co-workers a good morning and goes to work.

“He’s one of my best employees,” dock supervisor Steve McCune said. “He knows exactly what to do when he arrives to work. I don’t need to supervise him at all.”

Audrey Burson, who has been secretary to the five city managers Fountain Valley has had since its incorporation, is retiring after 23 years with the city.

City Manager Judy Kelsey said that since she assumed her post a year ago, Burson’s “knowledge and experience have made my transition much, much easier. I have really appreciated her assistance and dedication, and will surely miss her.”

Burson, who lives in Fountain Valley, plans to enjoy her retirement by touring the country in a new camper. Her first stop will be in Anchorage, Alaska, for the wedding of one of her two daughters.

The Chapman Enterprise Institute of Chapman College, Fullerton, has named J. William Bailey winner of its third annual Enterprise Award. The award is presented to the graduating Chapman senior who best exemplifies the spirit of enterprise. The judges consider the individual initiative, personal responsibility, ability to take risks, investment of time talent and/or money, commitment, attitude, resourcefulness and accomplishments.