What do a school board member, an education coordinator, an administrator, and a community champion have in common? At the 2025 South Dakota ACTE Conference in Mitchell, they were united by something powerful—recognition for shaping the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in South Dakota.
The Harrisburg School District proudly celebrates four leaders who stood out among their peers this July for their unwavering dedication to career-readiness, workforce development, and real-world learning.
CTE Leaders Honored - Above Left: Breanne Lynch, HSD Career & Technical Education Coordinator, receives her Administrator of the Year award. Right: Ben Ringling (Southeast Tech), Breanne Lynch , and Dr. Sara Vande Kamp (HSD School Board) celebrate statewide recognition at the 2025 SD ACTE Conference.
Dr. Sara Vande Kamp, a Harrisburg School Board Member, was honored as the SDACTE Postsecondary Professional of the Year. Known for her tireless mentorship and innovative instruction, Dr. Vande Kamp has helped bridge the gap between education and workforce needs. Whether developing new programs or inspiring students to think beyond the classroom, her leadership is cultivating new possibilities for postsecondary success.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Breanne Lynch, the district’s Career & Education Coordinator, was named Administrator of the Year for her visionary leadership and ability to scale CTE across all grade levels. From elementary classrooms to high school labs, Lynch’s collaborative spirit and future-focused planning have created hands-on learning experiences that connect students with industry, community, and their own potential.
At a Sunday evening banquet, Mr. Travis Lape was recognized by the FACS Division as their Administrator of the Year, a reflection of his efforts to support Family and Consumer Sciences with integrity and impact.
The celebration didn’t stop there. The Friend of CTE Award went to Ben Ringling from Southeast Technical College—nominated by Harrisburg’s Apprenticeship Program for his instrumental role in advancing horticulture education and apprenticeship programming. His partnership has helped students gain real-world skills and envision green careers that contribute to both economic and environmental health.
“This recognition is more than awards—it’s a reflection of how Harrisburg is growing something special in CTE,” said Dr. Michael Amolins, Director of Academic Services. “Dr. Vande Kamp and Mrs. Lynch represent the heart of what it means to serve with excellence. Mr. Lape and Mr. Ringling have championed CTE in ways that make a real difference to students, families, and the future of our state.”
Adding to the legacy of leadership, Kristi Dancsisin concluded her service as BMIT Division President and SDACTE Board member, while Breanne Lynch and Katrina Kruse were elected Presidents of the Administrative and Trade & Industry Divisions, respectively. Together, they will help shape the 2026 SDACTE Conference in Brookings at SDSU. Mrs. Tracy Kern continues to provide leadership as the ACTE Region V Awards Committee Chair.
The ACTE honors are a reminder of what’s possible when passionate educators and committed community members come together. In Harrisburg, career and technical education isn’t just a program. It’s a movement—powered by people who believe that when you plant the right seeds, you don’t just grow programs. You grow futures. We are #TigerProud! 🐾