Southeast Tech Awards 176 Full-Ride Build Dakota Scholarships for 2026

Southeast Technical College is awarding 176 full-ride Build Dakota Scholarships at a special Signing Day event today. The event recognizes 176 students who are committing to high-demand careers across South Dakota.

This milestone marks the fifth consecutive year that STC has achieved record-breaking growth in Build Dakota Scholarship awards. It is also the fourth straight year that 100% of Southeast Tech Build Dakota recipients have secured an industry sponsor — a reflection of the college’s strong partnerships with employers and its commitment to connecting students with real-world experience and career opportunities from day one.

The Build Dakota Scholarship program provides full tuition, fees, books and other program expenses for students entering high-need workforce fields in South Dakota. Through hands-on learning and direct industry collaboration, Southeast Tech students graduate career ready.

“Southeast Tech students continue to step up and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across South Dakota,” said Cory Clasemann, president, STC. “These scholarships represent more than financial support. They represent opportunity, partnership and a direct pathway to meaningful careers.”

Industry sponsors play a critical role in the success of the program by mentoring students, providing work-based learning experiences, and helping shape the future workforce.

“The success of Build Dakota at Southeast Tech is truly driven by collaboration,” said Kelli Rogotzke, Build Dakota coordinator, Southeast Technical College. “Our industry partners are investing not only in students’ education, but in their futures. Seeing students sign with employers and begin a clear pathway toward rewarding, high-demand careers is what makes this program so impactful.”

Students receiving awards include:

• Jennifer Agalakotuwa, Sioux Falls - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Karissma Aguilar, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Jeremy Aleck, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Aisha Arguello, Sioux Falls - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera
• Dee Arrow, Vermillion - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Wakonda Heritage Manor
• Molly Bakker, Sioux Falls - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Avera
• Tanner Bartelt, Stickney - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by Krohmer Plumbing
• Adam Behrend, Sioux Falls - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Jonathan Bell, Meckling - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Journey Construction
• Jodi Binder, Yankton - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera SHHS
• Christen Blasius, Sioux Falls - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera
• Mandy Blevins, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Rachael Bonin, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Taryn Bormann, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Mike Brandwein, Sioux Falls - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Donna Brown, Monroe - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Pioneer Memorial
• Jesse Bullerman, Adrian, Minn. - Electrician, sponsored by Thermobond
• Skyler Burgett, Sioux Falls - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Jalyn Bury, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Richard Cardona, Alpena - Automotive Technology, sponsored by Olympic Motors
• Gage Carlson, Rapid City - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Lloyd Construction
• Lundyn Carter, Baltic - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Brenda Castro, Sioux Falls - Medical Assistant, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Kennedy Christensen, Lake Norden - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Trisha Collins, Trent - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Brianna Cronin, Huron - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Braedon Davis, Harrisburg - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Courtney Decker, Hartford - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Bree Denison, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Aden Doocy, Blooming Prairie, Minn. - Mechanical Systems, sponsored by Hander
• Kaylie Drew, Sioux Falls - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Monument Health
• Caitlyn Dummer, Bonesteel - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Monument Health
• Isabella Dunsmoor, Watertown - Architectural Engineering Technology, sponsored by Paul Fick Homes
• Megan Dylla, Desmet - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Chris Elizarraras, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Peyton Eustace, Yankton - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by Fejfar Plumbing and Heating
• Grace Feige, Wentworth - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Maddie Feiock, Hurley - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Centerville Care & Rehab Center
• Ella Flohrs, St. James, Minn. - Dental Assisting, sponsored by Neighborhood Dental
• Greyson Forster, Howard - Diesel Technology: Trucking, sponsored by North Central International
• Braylon Foster, Hartford - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Paul Fick Homes
• Damion Franklin, Sioux Falls - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by DeJager Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
• Wyatt Funk, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Aralexsi Galdamez, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Elsa Galicia-Enriquez, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by LifeScape
• Grace Gaukel, Utica - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Stephenie Geraets, Dell Rapids - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Brenner Gerdes, Hurley - Electrician, sponsored by Sorlien Electric
• Hannah Greve, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Dylan Gulbrandson, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Lorelai Haapoja, Hurley - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services
• Hunter Haas, Yankton - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Avera
• Maverick Haiar, Alexandria - Collision Repair and Refinish Technology, sponsored by Brummett’s Auto Body
• Jerzye Hall, Pierre - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Kaden Hansen, Tea - Automotive Technology, sponsored by Billion Motors
• Taylor Hansen, Lead - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Monument Health
• Alorah Harms, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by LifeScape
• Norah Harty, Hurley - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Pioneer Memorial
• Olivia Hawks, Brookings - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Brookings Health System
• Alexis Head, Huron - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Huron Regional Medical Center
• McKenzie Hebert, Beresford - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Cody Heinz, Salem - Medical Assistant, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Ari Herrick, Pierre - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Sienna Hewitt, Brandon - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Vincent Hoffman, North Sioux City - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by RP Constructors
• Savannah Hoier, Sioux Falls - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Shelby Holley, Sioux Fals - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Willow Honerkamp, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Danica Hora, Oacoma - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Jennie Howard, Tea - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Gianna Hower, Rapid City - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Monument Health
• James Hurlbut, Sioux Falls - Diesel Technology: Trucking AAS, sponsored by Sioux International
• McKenna Huss, Sioux Center, Iowa - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Tor Johnson, Harrisburg - HVAC/R Technology, sponsored by Central Heating & Air
• Noah Johnson, Redfield - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by HOWE
• Marea Johnson, Colton - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Delilah Johnston, Lead - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Kiernan Jordan, Sioux Falls - Mechatronics, sponsored by CJ Schwans
• Reese Kaemingk, Sioux Falls - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Avera
• Becky Kaiser, Mission Hill - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Clara Keierleber, Parker - Paramedic Science, sponsored by Brookings Health System
• Lincoln Kirstein, Dell Rapids - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Fiegen Construction
• Rowen Kizer, Howard - Civil Engineering Technology, sponsored by Civil Design, Inc.
• Kya Kjeldgaard, Wagner - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Monument Health
• Cole Klingbile, Madison - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Leann Knight, Aberdeen - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Prairie Heights Healthcare
• Sierra Knox, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Liz Kockelman, Harrisburg - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Sara Kreger, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Kaitlyn Krier, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Landyn Lais, Luverne, Minn. - Electrician, sponsored by Travis Electric
• Adriana Leal, Sioux Falls - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Sanford Health
• ConLai Lind, Huron - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Ismari Lopez-Mendez, Huron - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Huron Regional Medical Center
• Tessa Lortscher, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Stacee Madsen, Brookings - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera
• Jackson Mahoney, Sioux Falls - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Nathaly Marquez, Sioux Falls - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Dayne Martin, Watertown - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Makenna Massman, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Noah Mathiowetz, Garvin, Minn. - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Mackayla Mckinney, Sioux Falls - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Hayden McMachen, Rapid City - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Monument Health
• Jesus Mejia, Sioux Falls - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera
• Isaiah Milk, Lake Andes - Land Surveying Science Technology, sponsored by Yankton Sioux Tribe
• Mallory Mitzner, Parker - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Abdi Mohamed, Sioux Falls - Mechatronics, sponsored by CJ Schwans
• Chris Montejano Cerda, Sioux Falls - Diesel Technology: Trucking AAS, sponsored by Northwest Corp
• Teagen Montgomery, Harrisburg - Early Childhood Specialist, sponsored by Building Blocks Childcare and Learning Center
• Martina Moroz, Lennox - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Patrina Mulder, Flandreau - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Flandreau Riverview Healthcare
• Maddon Odland, Redfield - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Odland Construction Inc
• Caden Ohlson, Waconia, Minn. - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Cierra Otten, Tea - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Austyn Pap, Luverne, Minn. - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Michael Paradise, Sioux Falls - Automotive Technology, sponsored by Rog's Auto, Inc.
• Hayden Pearson, Colman - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Jen Pelowski - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Wakonda Heritage Manor
• Bethany Petrowiak, Truman, Minn. - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Grace Proctor, Rapid City - Dental Assisting, sponsored by Neighborhood Dental
• Karen Quinn, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Cooper Rasmussen, Sioux Falls - HVAC/R Technology, sponsored by Tessier's, Inc.
• Jacob Ratzlaff, Avon - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by Bordewyk Plumbing, Heating, & A/C, LLC
• Ella Rempfer, Menno - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Yankton Medical Clinic
• Abby Richie, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Loralei Rieck, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Brookelyn Riedel, Madison - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Peter Rieffer, Baltic - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Quinn Roach, Sioux Falls - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Colin Robertson, Parker - Sports Turf Management, sponsored by Lawns Unlimited
• Charlie Ronlake, Sioux Fall - Invasive Cardiovascular Technician, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Lola Ruml, Spearfish - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Avera
• Bre Russaw, Yankton - Mechanical Engineering Technology, sponsored by MASABA
• Sydny Salway, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Jacob Schillerstrom, Sioux Falls - Welding, sponsored by Marmen Energy
• Owen Schmidt, Madison - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Loiseau Construction
• Olivia Schnabel, Ida Grove, Iowa - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Ivey Schoenfelder, De Smet - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Sioux Falls Speciality Hospital
• Kailee Schwartz, Sioux Falls - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Tatum Scott, Fort Pierre - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Avera
• Alyssa Scott, Owanka - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Liz Seaman, Warner - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Prairie Heights Healthcare
• Jace Sedlacek, Yankton - Mechanical Systems, sponsored by Fejfar Plumbing and Heating
• Taylin Shrieves, Davis - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Jaidyn Siemonsma, Colton - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Bethany Small, Moffit, N.D. - Surgical Technology, sponsored by Avera
• Kayla Sommerfeld, Tea - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Munezero Sondrine, Sioux Falls - Medical Assistant, sponsored by Avera
• Shelly Sorensen, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Chase Spicer, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Emma Spilde, Arlington - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Keira Sprang, Brookings - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Jack Stein, Elkton - Welding, sponsored by Maguire
• Jordan Sturges, Lake Wilson, Minn. - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by DeJager Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
• Kaitlyn Swenson, Colman - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Caleb Tallman, Avon - Law Enforcement Science, sponsored by Yankton Sioux Tribe
• Abby TeKrony, Castlewood - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Omar Topete, Sioux Falls - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Izayah Ulmer, Menno - Mechatronics, sponsored by Showplace Cabinetry
• Alyssa Ulvestad, Lead - Cardiovascular Sonography, sponsored by Avera Heart Hospital
• Casey Van Duysen, Wagner - Plumbing Technology, sponsored by Wagner Building & Supply
• Emma Vortherms, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Grace Walker, Brandon - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Tara Warriner, Pierre - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera
• Rya Wesley, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Avera
• Leyton Wherry, Marshall, Minn. - Electrician, sponsored by Muth Electric
• Blake Wiggins, Hawarden, Iowa - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Journey Construction
• Annette Williams, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Good Samaritan, Sanford Health
• Colby Wit, Rapid City - Sports Turf Management, sponsored by Red Rock Golf Club
• Allyssa Wohler Stormer, Tea - Respiratory Therapy, sponsored by Avera
• Connor Wright, Rapid City - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Taya Wright, Sioux Falls - Licensed Practical Nursing, sponsored by Sanford Health
• Toby Yates, Sioux Falls - Diesel Technology: Heavy Equipment AAS, sponsored by General Equipment & Supplies
• Scott Ymker, Armour - Registered Nurse, sponsored by Avera St. Benedit Health Center
• Carson Zastrow, Sioux Falls - Construction Management Technology, sponsored by Fiegen Construction