Southview Elementary Educational Support Professional (ESP) Marianne Sannito has been named one of five finalists for Education Minnesota’s 2024-25 ESP of the Year Award. Sannito has worked in Waconia Public Schools for 12 years.
“Marianne is the trusting adult for each of her students. She pours care, love, and patience into every child, every day, and every moment! She has impeccable integrity and honors the place that every child begins their journey of learning,” Southview Principal Khuzana DeVaan wrote in a recommendation letter about Sannito. “Through her gentle guidance and nudge to grow each day, Marianne walks side by side with our students, lifting them up to expand and bloom each in their own way.”
The ESP of the Year program recognizes outstanding professional and union work by education support professionals across Minnesota. Candidates for the award are judged based on five criteria, including professional practice, advocacy and association, community engagement, personal achievement and enhancement of ESP image. Education Minnesota plans to announce this year’s winner of the award this Saturday.
In addition to Sannito being named a finalist, Waconia Middle School ESP Miki Nahmensen and Early Childhood ESP Sarah Wabbe were named semifinalists for the award. Nahmensen has worked in Waconia Public Schools for nine years, while Wabbe has served in the District for four years.
