Published: March 20, 2026
2027 NDU ESP of the Year Finalists
Education Support Professionals (ESPs) are the backbone of our public schools in North Dakota. Without these dedicated individuals — from paraprofessionals and administrative staff to custodians, food service workers and beyond — our schools simply wouldn’t function the way our students need them to.
As we have done in recent years, three finalists for the 2027 North Dakota United ESP of the Year were selected from nominations submitted late last year, each representing the care, commitment and quiet leadership ESPs bring to their work every day. All three were honored at celebrations held in their school communities.
We’re proud to share highlights from their nominations, offering a closer look at the impact they have on students, colleagues and their communities. The nomination essays submitted for each of our finalists is included, as well as photos and videos of their celebration events.
This year’s North Dakota United ESP of the Year will be announced at Delegate Assembly in Bismarck on April 18.
Kelly Hagen, NDU Communications Director
Laurie Holcomb
Position: Program Para — Special Education
Workplace: South Middle School — Grand Forks
Local: Grand Forks Education Association
Laurie Holcomb is an excellent leader in our school who advocates for students and support staff alike. She goes above and beyond in her work and is a leader among paras not just at South, but district-wide.
She is an amazing educator and mentor who has spent countless hours not only teaching students but also helping train new paras.
Her decades of experience and devotion to education shine through in everything she does. She is a leader in the community, and her commitment to her work extends beyond just the school day.
She is the person paras at our school go to for any questions about the job or how they can advocate for themselves. Ms. Holcomb is the perfect example of a community leader and devoted educator, putting her all into the students she supports as well as keeping a keen eye out for other students who may be struggling and supporting them as well.
She is an incredibly humble person, she has a remarkable story, grit and resilience, she never gives up, and she gives hope when others are feeling despair.
Joel Crane, NDU Press Secretary
Dawn Ressler
Position: Physical Therapy Assistant
Workplace: Mandan Public School District
Local: Mandan Education Association
Dawn Ressler has demonstrated a significant and multi-faceted impact across our school and professional community.
Dawn directly supports students and families by consistently creating fun, effective activities that seamlessly incorporate Physical Therapy (P.T.) principles into learning and play. This commitment extends into the community through their initiative to personally build and distribute comprehensive summer kits designed to provide essential enrichment and materials for children during the extended break, supporting sustained growth and bridging the school-to-home connection.
On a professional level, she is a tireless leader and resource for their peers, known for being always willing to assist colleagues in any capacity needed. Their commitment to the profession is further evidenced by their long service as a dedicated Building Representative, serving on School Board Committees and her consistent participation in ESP conferences, ensuring the professional voice and development needs of support staff are represented and championed at the local and state levels.
Dawn is an amazing person and strong advocate for MEA's ESPs and our students.
Kelly Hagen, NDU Communications Director
Katie Weiner
Position: Instructional Para
Workplace: Thompson Public School District
Local: Thompson Education Association
Katie Weiner is willing to help in any role needed in our school. She fills in as a sub when needed, works one on one with students to help monitor progress and reteach skills, and cares about each and every student. She shows interest in the students' lives and impacts them and their families by greeting them with a friendly smile and making them feel special. She helps families through her time and effort that she devotes to helping students become successful at skills they were lacking or struggling with. I have never seen Katie frustrated even though she is sometimes pulled in many directions during a single day. She is a wonderful example of what a great paraprofessional is.
Katie is an amazing person. Having her as a part of our staff is a true blessing. She truly cares about everybody. She is willing to help with anything and everything to make our school not just function but thrive on a daily basis.The students LOVE her. She gets the best out of every student that she works with daily. Katie is simply awesome! I truly cannot imagine our school without her! She makes Thompson Public School a great place to work, learn, play, etc.
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education & Public Services
With more than 11,500 members across the state, NDU supports equal opportunities for success for ALL North Dakota students, and respect and support for all educators. NDU members are teachers, community college professors, speech pathologists, bus drivers, secretaries, retired educators and student teachers.