Wilmot Educator Tracy Ronke Named JAG-SD Specialist of the Year as South Dakota Program Tops National Benchmarks

Northeast Radio SD News – Wilmot, SD - South Dakota’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program (JAG‑SD) is celebrating major national recognition this week after outperforming all six national performance benchmarks — and a Wilmot educator is among those honored for exceptional service.

The South Dakota Department of Education announced Monday that JAG‑SD exceeded national standards in connectivity, employment, full‑time employment, further education, graduation, and positive outcomes for the 2025–26 school year.

Wilmot’s Tracy Ronke Earns Statewide Top Honor

Among the standout achievements, Wilmot Middle and High School’s Tracy Ronke was named JAG‑SD Specialist of the Year, the program’s highest statewide honor recognizing extraordinary service, student mentorship, and long‑term impact.

Ronke was one of four South Dakota educators recognized at the National JAG First Awards:

·         Chad Johnson, Lyman High School — Employer & Community Impact

·         Cindy Knecht, Bennett County High School — JAG Advantage Implementor

·         Sonia Malley, Huron High School — Data Integrity & Excellence

·         Tracy Ronke, Wilmot Middle & High School — JAG‑SD Specialist of the Year

Statewide Program Surpasses National Benchmarks

JAG‑SD Director Beth Schneider said the program continues to grow and strengthen communities statewide.

“This program is more than helping students graduate from high school. It’s a community that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates our youth as they develop the necessary skills to succeed in education, employment, and life.”

Five South Dakota schools also earned national recognition for their individual JAG programs:

·         Bennett County High School

·         Huron High School

·         Lyman High School

·         Wagner High School

·         Washington High School (Sioux Falls)

New JAG Programs Coming This Fall

JAG‑SD will expand again for the 2026–27 school year, adding:

·         Axis 180 (Volunteers of America–Dakotas)

·         Marty Indian School

·         Winner High School

Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves praised the program’s long‑term support model, noting that JAG specialists maintain contact with students for 12 months after graduation to help them transition into college, careers, and adult life.

More information is available at doe.sd.gov/jag-sd.  

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