Ge Xiong, a former teacher and Hmong refugee from Laos, arrived in Shabbona, Illinois, on January 17, 1979, at age 26, without a word of English. While working full-time, Xiong persistently endeavored to learn English. He now has a bachelor's degree in educational policy and community study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His community service and involvement are widely known in the Hmong community throughout Wisconsin.