Leechburg Area employee named paraprofessional of the year

When Angela Vigna goes to work each day, she isn’t expecting accolades.

In fact, she was surprised recently to learn she had been named the 2022 Pennsylvania State Education Association Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year.

“I’m very honored. I love my job. Working with students has changed my life. It’s important work — taking care of our most vulnerable students who have the highest level of need. This award helps to restore dignity to the position, and I’m just so appreciative,” Vigna said.

Award criteria includes demonstrating outstanding effort and/or accomplishments in advocacy and association, professional practice, community engagement, personal achievement and enhancement of ESP image.

Vigna, 52, will be recognized at the PSEA House of Delegates meeting in December.

In addition, she is nominated for the 2023 National Education Association’s Education Support Professional of the Year.

Vigna provides academic support for Leechburg Area students with special needs in grades K-12.

She is the president of the Leechburg Area Education Support Professionals Association and is a district union leader.

Superintendent Tiffany Nix described Vigna as dedicated to her work.

“She has helped countless students succeed and will help countless more yet to come. We’re honored to have her as our colleague and friend,” Nix said.

Leechburg Area teachers Michelle Ferretti and Ashley Mondale nominated Vigna for the honor.

“Mrs. Angela Vigna is the best of the best,” wrote Mondale in her nomination letter. “She deserves recognition for her tireless work during the school day, her activism in our community and her willingness to provide for her family, association members and Leechburg as a whole.”

Vigna volunteers for numerous organziations in the Leechburg community, including serving as president of the Leechburg Lion’s Club.

At Leechburg Area, she is involved in the district’s PATH (Providing Alternatives to Hunger) program.

PATH provides free weekly food bags to students who need them.

“Mrs. Vigna takes pride in her work and the accomplishments of her students,” Ferretti said. “She works well beyond the school day to ensure that all students are receiving what they need. Mrs. Vigna is a true example of the importance of paraeducators and the critical role they play in children’s academic success, social and emotional development and sense of belonging within the community.”

Vigna, a member of Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, grew up in Ford City until moving to Gilpin with her family in 1979. She graduated from Leechburg Area High School in 1988.

She graduated from the Monroeville School of Business with a degree in accounting and business.

“I took off 11 years to raise my kids and was asked to sub at Leechburg, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been 19 years,” Vigna said.

She and her husband, Joe, have two grown children.