REDFIELD, S.D.(Press Release) – Lake Area Technical College celebrated its first stop on its 60th Anniversary Tailgate Tour, Friday night at the Redfield vs. Leola-Frederick football game. The evening featured a scholarship presentation, community fun and recognition of one outstanding student-athlete.
Jerica Ratigan, a senior at Redfield High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Lake Area Technical College in Watertown. Presenting the scholarship was Lake Area Technical College Dean of Student Services Scott Carbonneau.
On the field, Weslyn Thorpe, a senior running back for Leola-Frederick, was named the game’s MVP. Thorpe received a commemorative football from LATC Agriculture Instructor and former NFL player Spencer Waege.
Lake Area Technical College President Tiffany Sanderson said the tour is a celebration of the school’s six decades of successfully preparing students for high-demand, high-value technical professions.
“At Lake Area Tech, we believe education extends beyond the classroom,” Sanderson said. “This tour is a fun way to connect with communities in our area, support student-athletes and showcase the fast and focused education available to students interested in jumpstarting their careers.”
The 60th Anniversary Tailgate Tour will continue with stops at high school football games across the region through October. Each stop includes scholarship awards, an MVP recognition and hands-on activities for fans of all ages.
Lake Area Technical College was established in 1965 in Watertown. It was South Dakota’s first technical college and has grown to more than 30 programs and nearly 2,700 students. For more information on the Tailgate Tour or Lake Area Technical college, follow its social pages on Facebook and Instagram and/or visit www.lakeareatech.edu.
Next stop on the tour will be in Mellette for the Herreid/Selby vs Northwestern football game.