Del. Chuck Caputo (D-67th) received the 2007 Arc of Northern Virginia Education Leadership Award on June 1.
He was honored for helping Katherine Montgomery, a student at the Northern Virginia Community College who travels on campus in a power wheelchair. She nominated him because he helped her with a logistical problem at the Annandale campus.
KATHERINE WAS required to take many of her tests on the fourth floor of a classroom building. On four separate occasions, she was stuck in an elevator and fire fighters had to get her out. In response to these events, Caputo arranged for Katherine to take her tests on the main floor so she did not have to take the elevator.
"I felt quite humbled upon receiving this award because fixing the issue was a relatively easy task," said Caputo. "When I heard how much the others involved had done, I was felt truly honored to be placed in a category alongside them. I really appreciate it," he said.
Del. Caputo has lived in the Centreville area since 1969. He has only been a delegate for two years, and after this term he plans to run for re-election for another two-year term. His most enjoyable part of his job is "meeting people" and trying to help make their lives better.
THE ARC of Northern Virginia is a non-profit organization designed to help people with disabilities build "a life like yours" and overcome their struggles.
Its mission is to provide advocacy, education, training, and direct service programs so that all citizens, regardless of ability, have a chance to live in their community. Their motto is "Building Community Opportunities for Citizens with Disabilities for A Life Like Yours."