Honoring 138 Educational Support Staff at the 2024 ESS Award Ceremony

On November 20, 2024, the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center was filled with appreciation and celebration as Resource Training & Solutions hosted the annual Educational Support Staff (ESS) Award Ceremony. In honor of Education Support Professional Day, this special event recognized 138 outstanding educational support staff members from across central Minnesota.

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With over 350 guests in attendance, the evening kicked off with a lively performance by The String Showdown, a dynamic and interactive string duo that brought excitement and energy to the crowd. Their engaging act set the tone for a memorable night of recognition and gratitude.

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The highlight of the evening was the awards banquet, where each honoree was celebrated for their invaluable contributions to their schools and communities. Kevin Enerson, Superintendent of the ROCORI School District, presented the awards, praising the honorees for their dedication to fostering safety, respect, and positivity in their daily roles.

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Recognizing Everyday Heroes

The ESS Award Ceremony is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital work of educational support staff—individuals who often work behind the scenes but play a crucial role in creating safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environments. Honorees are nominated by their districts for their exceptional knowledge, leadership, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students, staff, and the community.

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A Collaborative Effort

The success of this event is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Resource Training & Solutions, participating districts, and the dedicated team behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Shari Fruechte, Events and Administrative Coordinator, and the Learning and Development team, who worked tirelessly to organize an evening worthy of these incredible individuals.

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As we reflect on this year’s ESS Award Ceremony, we are reminded of the profound impact that educational support staff have every day. Their dedication and positivity inspire us all to work harder for the betterment of our schools and communities.

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Want to relive the night? Check out the event photos here >>

^{If you don’t see photos from your district in the album, it may be because the honorees either did not attend the event or chose not to be photographed. For additional photos, please contact your district directly.}

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