HARRISBURG, S.D. — The Harrisburg School District was in the national spotlight this summer as Travis Lape, Harrisburg’s Innovative Programs Director and State Director of Educators Rising South Dakota, was honored with the first-ever Educators Rising Vanguard Award during the 2025 Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Presented in front of more than 3,000 members and guests, the Vanguard Award recognizes a state leader who exemplifies visionary leadership, innovation, and dedication to the mission of Educators Rising — preparing and empowering future educators. The award celebrates individuals who are not just leading today’s efforts but actively shaping the future of the organization on a national scale.
Over the past seven years, Lape has been at the forefront of South Dakota’s educator development work. Under his leadership, Educators Rising South Dakota has expanded significantly, reaching more schools and students each year. One of the most impactful initiatives under his direction has been the creation of the Gateway to Teaching Certificate, developed in partnership with the state’s public universities. This innovative pathway program allows high school students to earn credit and gain early experience toward a future in the teaching profession — creating sustainable, real-world opportunities for those inspired to become educators.
Lape’s influence has helped transform South Dakota into a model for how states can build their own educator pipelines, and his leadership continues to open doors for students and school communities across the state.
Also honored at the national conference was Tracy Kern, a teacher leader from Harrisburg High School and a founding board member of Educators Rising South Dakota. Kern received the Educators Rising Champion Award, a national recognition of her outstanding work in supporting and developing future teachers. Her leadership has helped establish Harrisburg’s Educators Rising chapter as a thriving model program within the state, offering dual credit courses and career-connected experiences in education.
In addition to the staff recognitions, Harrisburg High School students participated in national competitive events, gaining valuable experience and recognition on a national stage. Students competed in categories such as children’s literature, early childhood education, interactive bulletin board creation, and reflective teaching presentations — a testament to the district’s commitment to future-ready learning through its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming
As one of the fastest-growing school districts in South Dakota, Harrisburg continues to lead with innovation and purpose. The national recognition of both Lape and Kern underscores the district’s efforts to elevate the teaching profession and empower the next generation of educators — both locally and statewide.
Congratulations to Travis Lape on receiving the inaugural Educators Rising Vanguard Award, and to the entire Harrisburg Educators Rising team for continuing to lead with excellence, vision, and heart. We are #TigerProud! 🐾