Inderkum High School’s Eric Fong has been named California’s Friday Night Live “Advisor of the Year,” singling him out among hundreds of peers statewide as a champion in fighting to save lives from drunken driving, distracted driving, or from use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Fong’s honor is the latest in a long list of accolades tied to Inderkum’s FNL Club, which was selected California “Chapter of the Year” last year and has won top FNL honors in Sacramento County – the “Chapter Challenge” — for four straight years.
Fong was nominated for “Advisor of the Year” by the Sacramento County Office of Education’s FNL program. In the nomination letter, Melissa May, co-advisor to Inderkum’s FNL Club, said that Fong “lives with his heart, character, and commitment” and that he “brings out the best in all of us.”
Ashley Vinayak, a former student leader of Inderkum’s FNL Club, said that “Mr. Fong taught me to step up to the plate and speak about issues that matter to me. He has been there for me, to support me, and has given me a chance to prove myself as a leader.”
Another Inderkum student FNL leader, Kristina Alonso, said that “Mr. Fong pushed me and my fellow club members to take on new opportunities with the club. He has helped me realize the leadership qualities I have within myself.”
Fong has served as Inderkum’s FNL advisor of 14 years. Never one to toot his own horn, he simply said he was honored to received the statewide award, particularly since it involved a nomination by county FNL officials and recommendations from Inderkum students.
The plaque reads, “As an outstanding role model to young people, you exemplify what it means to be a true partner and advocate.”
County FNL officials wrote in nominating Fong, “Throughout the years, he continues to demonstrate his dedication and support for FNL and his students. Eric always finds a way to balance all his activities and brings his experience, enthusiasm, commitment and passion to all FNL meetings and events.”
Fong received his California “Advisor of the Year” plaque at a statewide FNL summit this weekend in Santa Clara.
Well deserved, Eric Fong … Congratulations! … The nomination letter can be read here.
