Livermore-based Realtor Mony Nop has been selected among 10 real estate professionals across the United States as a finalist for Realtor Magazine's 2017 Good Neighbor Awards in recognition of their positive impacts and volunteer work in their communities.

Nop, of Mony Nop Real Estate with Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty, has worked through his Mony Nop Foundation to "encourage kids to set goals and achieve them by providing leadership training and scholarships," according to the National Association of Realtors.

A Cambodia native whose family fled the Khmer Rouge when he was a child, Nop overcame cultural and linguistic challenges as a young immigrant in America to excel through his education and become a police officer, including in Livermore, for 17 years before moving into real estate full time in 2012, according to Realtor Magazine.

His foundation aims to give back to middle and high school students in the area to help them overcome their own challenges, NAR officials said in a statement.

Nop is one of 10 finalists from nine states in the running to become among the five winners of the national trade organization's Good Neighbor Awards. Voting is open through Monday, and the winners will be announced Tuesday.

"The Good Neighbor Award represents a thriving culture of giving back, and each of our finalists have made a tremendous difference in their communities," NAR president William E. Brown said. "We congratulate this year's 10 finalists for their outstanding efforts to help make the world a better place."

Winners will receive a $10,000 grant and national media exposure for their community charity, including a feature in the November/December issue Realtor Magazine. The five honorable mentions will each receive a $2,500 grant.