Fairbanks– Yesterday, in a surprise announcement during a staff meeting at West Valley High School, Prevention Intervention Specialist, and Education Support Staff Association member Fanta Lee-Sankoh was named the 2025 NEA-Alaska Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. This is the highest award for classified public employees in Alaska.
“Every year, NEA-Alaska has the opportunity to present this award to an outstanding ESP,” said Tom Klaameyer, President of NEA-Alaska. “Fanta stood out among a large group of highly qualified nominees because of her deep commitment to student’s mental health, her dedication to her profession, her willingness to share her knowledge with colleagues, and the contributions she makes to her community at-large.”
“Fanta is incredibly deserving of this award for countless reasons,” said April Johnson, President of the Education Support Staff Association. “She is an invaluable member of our union, an indispensable asset to the staff at West Valley. I am thrilled that her work is being recognized.”
Outside of the classroom, Fanta works a second job for the State of Alaska helping adolescents and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities find and maintain employment. She is a trained and experienced social worker, the Vice President of her local association, and a powerful advocate for public school funding.
“Fanta works with at-risk students at West Valley High School. She has been an integral part of ensuring these students are successful in their academic journey,” said Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. "This is a long time coming for Fanta to be recognized at the state level and we’re just so proud of the work she does here in Fairbanks. We are excited to see what a difference she will make as she is nominated for the National ESP of the Year.”
For more information, please contact Zachary Mannix at 907-274-0536 or [email protected].
For photos of the event, please click here.
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