North Dakota 2025 Awards

In partnership with the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education, each year NDACTE recognizes excellence and dedication within the field of career and technical education among NDACTE members. 

Interested in nominating someone for this honor?
​Visit the ACTE Awards portal open for 2025 Award nominations deadline is extended to April 30, 2025!
2025 NDACTE Member Award Recipients
PictureEric Ripley
NDACTE Administrator of the Year - This award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
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Eric Ripley currently serves as the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, a position he has held since 2009 and as Director of CTE for the Grand Forks Area Career & Technology Center since 2012. In this role, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders, and advocate for increased funding and resources. He has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that students have access to high-quality CTE programs that prepare them for success in both their chosen careers and in life.
Beyond his accomplishments within Grand Forks Public Schools, Mr. Ripley's dedication to CTE extends far beyond the local level. His extensive involvement with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) at the national, regional, and state levels is a testament to his commitment to advancing CTE on a broader scale. At the national level, Mr. Ripley has served on several key committees and task forces, including the ACTE Board of Directors as the Administration Division Vice President, and serving on the ACTE Executive Committee. He has also been a regular attendee and active participant at CareerTech VISION and the National Policy Seminar, demonstrating a commitment to staying informed about and influencing national CTE policy. Regionally, Mr. Ripley has held leadership positions in the Region V level, serving on the Policy Committee representing North Dakota, and previously chair of the Legislative Committee. His contributions to the region have been invaluable in shaping CTE initiatives and fostering collaboration among states. At the state level, Mr. Ripley served as President of North Dakota ACTE. His long-standing service on the Legislative Committee Chair further demonstrates his commitment to advocating for CTE at the state level.
Mr. Ripley’s dedication, vision, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success has had a profound impact on the field of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and his contributions to the field of Career and Technical Education will be outlasting. ​
PictureMark Wagner
NDACTE Lifetime Achievement Award -- This award recognizes CTE professionals for their leadership on behalf of NDACTE, their innovations in CTE and their contributions to the field over an extended period of time.

​Mark Wagner has made significant and lasting contributions to the implementation of high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, always with a central focus on student success. His impact spans classroom instruction, administrative leadership, statewide policy development, and systems reform, making him a driving force behind transformative change in CTE.  He has been a CTE instructor in two program areas, worked at a Class B and A school, was an adjunct instructor for North Dakota State University and North Dakota State College of Science, taught adult courses, and has been an administrator at a comprehensive high school and director at an area CTE center.

He began his career as a CTE instructor in Agricultural education, where he developed a student-centered philosophy that seamlessly blended academic rigor with real-world, hands-on learning. During his 24 years at Beulah Public Schools, he served various roles as an Agricultural Education instructor, Director of Technology, Assistant principal, and Cisco Networking Academy instructor.  Mark served as director for 8 years at the North Valley Career and Technology Center located in Grafton. 
Mark has most recently served as the ND CTE Assistant State Director for the past 10 years.  As Assistant State Director of CTE, Mark played a pivotal role in overhauling North Dakota’s student accountability system for CTE. His leadership led to improved transparency, enhanced data integrity, and more effective program evaluation.
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Mark has been a powerful advocate for CTE at the policy level. He has served on numerous influential boards, including the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders and the North Dakota Leaders and Education Administration Development group. In these roles, he worked collaboratively with state officials and legislators to advance CTE priorities, shape educational policy, and implement the federal Perkins V Act. His efforts have strengthened the alignment, modernized program standards, and expanded opportunities for students across the state.
Mark Wagner’s career reflects an extraordinary blend of visionary leadership, policy insight, and unwavering commitment to student success.  From modernizing facilities and curriculum to shaping statewide systems and funding models, his contributions have elevated the quality and reach of CTE in North Dakota.

PictureCameron Young
NDACTE Teacher of the Year - recognizes the finest career and technical teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.

​Cameron Young was raised on a small, diversified farm on the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills, where we produced corn, oats, alfalfa, and raised cattle, hogs, and horses—along with an ample crop of sandburs during the dry years. True to his independent nature, he chose a path less traveled by pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education rather than a more traditional, high-paying career. Cameron attended North Dakota State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Education with minors in Animal Science and General Science.
During his time at NDSU, he gained valuable hands-on experience working at the university’s Swine Research Unit. Cameron was also an active member of the livestock judging team, Saddle and Sirloin Club, and Collegiate FFA, all of which helped shape his foundation as an educator and agricultural professional.
Cameron’s teaching career began in 1991 in Rolla, ND, approximately 560 miles north of his hometown. After four years there, he accepted a position in Kenmare, where he taught from 1995 to 2012. In 2012, he embraced the opportunity to help establish a new Agricultural Education program in Edgeley, where he continues to teach today.
In addition to his roles as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, he has been actively involved in community service. He has served with the Jaycees, the volunteer fire departments in Kenmare and Edgeley, the Edgeley Dollars for Scholars organization, and the Golden Glen Township Board.
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Cameron is proud to share this journey with his wife, Jayette, and they are the grateful parents of four wonderful children: Ryan, Allison, Brogan, and Taygen.
PictureDanielle Luebke
Counseling and Career Development Professional Award - This award recognizes school counselors and career development professionals who have demonstrated commitment to connecting students with opportunities for success, shown innovation in career exploration and development, and have advocated for CTE as a viable option for all students.
 
Danielle Luebke’s path into education wasn’t a traditional one.  Transitioning from mental health counseling into school counseling came with a huge learning curve, but Danielle embraced it and found her passion working with students.  Danielle earned her Master of Education in Counseling with specializations in Community Mental Health and School Counseling from North Dakota State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. She maintains active licensure as a school counselor, career development counselor along with being a Licensed Professional Counselor.
For the past 13 years Danielle has worked as a Career Development Counselor through Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (SRCTC) serving Hankinson Public School in Hankinson North Dakota.  Over the years Danielle has developed a compressive counseling program for students in grades K-12.  Danielle integrates career development, social emotional learning and academic planning for all students ensuring they are equipped with the skills, resilience and knowledge needed to be successful contributing members of society.  Danielle advocates tirelessly for all her students, building strong relationships and creating a supportive environment that empowers them to reach their full potential both academically and personally.  Danielle has organized and coordinated many events such as: career fairs, college visits, community service projects along with many others to ensure students have the essential skills to be successful for whichever path they choose after high school. 
Danielle’s leadership extends beyond the counseling office and school. Danielle has held numerous roles within professional organizations, including current President of the North Dakota Counseling Association, past President of the North Dakota Career Development Association, past Career Development Representative for the North Dakota Association for Career and Technical Education. She has also served as past Awards Chair for NDACTE. Being an advocate for professional growth, she has presented at state and national conferences, covering topics ranging from educational technology to career development and the integration of AI in counseling practices.
PictureBenjamin Whitmore
Post-Secondary Professional of the Year - This award recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have instructed and educated students involved in career and technical education pathways, demonstrated innovation in the classroom, and exhibited dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
 
Benjamin Whitmore is an Associate Professor of Culinary Arts at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).  Benjamin has held this position since August 2019.  This year he has moved into the Chair of the Culinary Program at NDSCS.
Benjamin has been dedicated of his improvement through education.  He received his AAS in Culinary/Chef training at Des Moines Area Community College where he graduated in 2003.  He then became the owner and operator of BLG Concessions, LLC in Iowa.  He left BLG Concessions in 2022.  In 2019 he was hired by NDSCS to teach in the Culinary program.  That same year he started his bachelor of Science Degree in Career and Technical Education from Valley City State University.  He graduated with a BS degree in 2021 and in 2021 he started his Masters in Education from Valley City State University.  He graduated with an MEd in 2022 completing the program in 1 year while teaching full time.  Benjamin has been accepted for his Doctor of Education from the University of North Dakota and is currently taking courses and teaching and managing the culinary program for NDSCS.

In addition to his formal education, Benjamin has been dedicated to receiving industry related certifications from National Restaurant Association (ServSafe and ServSafe Instructor certifications) and American Culinary Federation (Certified Executive Chef and AFC Certified Executive Chef).  These certification help Mr. Whitmore stay current in his discipline and ensure the students that he is teaching that his knowledge is quality in the training of Chefs.
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Benjamin has implemented many innovations in his teaching for NDSCS.  One of the many is providing his students hands on opportunities to display their skills for the community by hosting community and school dinners.  He has also displayed his students work at the CTE in the Great Hall for the State of North Dakota Legislature.
PictureCara Davis
NDACTE New Teacher of the Year OVERALL- recognizes new CTE teachers who have made significant contributions toward innovative and unique career and technical education programs and shown a professional commitment early in their careers. TO BE ANNOUNCED AT PDC AUGUST 5.
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NDACTE Counseling and Career Development New Teacher of the Year -
Cara Davis is completing her third year working as a Career Advisor for the Grand Forks Public Schools, specifically serving as the High School Career Advisor at Red River High School.   With a proven work history of providing student services, relationship building, and coordination skills, Cara brought many years of work experience into her current Career Advisor role.
Spending over 15 years working within higher education for the University of North Dakota, Cara had roles as a recruiter, instructor, advisor, and assistant director for the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center.   As a first-generation college graduate herself, Cara developed a passion for providing students guidance as they navigated their career development options.
Cara was awarded the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award at the University of North Dakota, and was named as a Certified Employee of the Quarter last school year (which was remarkable given it was only her second year on staff in the district).  Cara completed her CTE Career Advisor Training during her first year, and since being on staff, has excelled in her role.    The entire Career Development program of the Grand Forks Public Schools, in large part to Cara's contributions, was awarded the 2024 Directors Award of Excellence.
Accomplishments include new career development activities and initiatives including a "Cash In On Summer" job fair held within Grand Forks Central and Red River High Schools for students to meet with industry partners on summer employment options, revamping the "Exploring Your Future Options" career fair for students of Community High School, the alternative high school in Grand Forks, ​implementation of holding the first-ever T4 event in Grand Forks, which was attended by over 1,200 regional 8th grade students, serving on the planning team for the Northern Valley Career Expo, a regional event primarily targeted for 10th grade students that had over 2,000 students from 58 schools attending this past year, and finally, Cara has been the point person for the Career Z Challenge from the US Department of Education, in which Grand Forks Public Schools was selected as a national finalist (1 of 10 districts nationwide).
PictureIsaiah MacDonald
NDACTE Family and Consumer Science New Teacher of the Year - 
​Isaiah MacDonald is an enthusiastic educator and adviser in Family and Consumer Sciences, dedicated to creating equitable and impactful learning experiences. With three years of leadership advising Mandan High FCCLA, he has expanded the program by building membership, growing competition on the National level, and making meaningful connections with future leaders of Mandan and beyond. Notably, the team made chapter history by having both a State Officer and a District President from Mandan High serve concurrently on the North Dakota Executive Council.
Throughout his career, Isaiah has embraced opportunities to enhance both student engagement and curriculum relevancy. In his Master’s Action Research Project backed by an ACTE Fellowship, he is currently analyzing FCCLA’s competition rubrics to assess their fairness and impact through a pioneering effort that examines evaluator cognitive load. This research presents new opportunities into critical, under-researched factor in educational evaluation. This is not the only impact Isaiah's professional development has made on Mandan CTE. His learning has renewed Mandan High’s Independent Living & Family Living classes by integrating experiential learning strategies, ensuring lessons apply to real-world skills and address challenges facing FCS such as parent absenteeism and childhood abuse.
After earning his Master’s degree in FCS Education at North Dakota State University, he intends to pursue sharing his expertise as a part-time adjunct professor for North Dakota Universities, and to continue digging in to meaningful education at Mandan High School. In long term goals, he aims to professor future teachers and serve the North Dakota State FCCLA office if the opportunity arises, contributing further to educational excellence and equitable student support.
Isaiah's commitment to education is further demonstrated by active professional memberships with NDATFCS and the NEA, as well as recognition through awards and nominations including the ACTE FACS Fellowship Award and the 2025 Outstanding Adviser Award. These experiences collectively reflect his passion for positive-growth, experiential, research-driven, and inclusive educational practices. His ultimate goal is to be better for his students each day as his experiences shape him into an educator of excellence.
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PictureHeather Bowker
Business Education New Teacher of the Year -
 After graduating from MSU-Northern in Havre, MT, Heather Bowker moved around the country with her family.  She worked for 10 years for MSU-Billings and then started subbing for Minot Public Schools when her youngest went to kindergarten.  In 2024, Heather was given the opportunity to be the marketing teacher at the new Minot North High School.  With the new school, came a new school store, and a new DECA chapter, all which she was in charge of.  Heather hit the ground running during July and August and set up the store as fast as she could before the open house the night before the first day of school.  During the three hour open house, Heather was able to sell nearly $11,000 and really make a name for the store.  Once school started it was her responsibility to name the store, and create a logo.  She worked with her marketing 2 class, ran surveys, and had her students present their ideas to the administration.  After a name was selected, a logo finalized, it was time to start promoting the store.  So between teaching 5 class hours, teaching students to run the store, and learn as much about DECA as she could, Heather kept busy.   Heather has doubled the amount of students taking her classes next year and really looks forward to teaching students real life applications they can use in their futures.  The Lookout (what the school store is named) has become a hangout and safe space for students.  On any given day you will see 15-20 kids hanging out in the store, knowing they are all welcome.  Besides having her students run the store, Heather has also asked the special education students to work with their paras in the store.  This gives students who might not have other opportunities to work in retail, a chance to learn the business. 
Heather has truly enjoyed her first year and looks forward to years to come and advancing the marketing classes, DECA, and the store.
PictureTeachers: David Leier and Erik Johnson Killdeer FFA Chapter
NDACTE Innovative Program Awards   recognize innovative career and technical education programs from ND that are unique, novel and are serving to improve and promote the image of career and technical education.

​​The Killdeer Agricultural Education Program is part of the Killdeer Public School District located in west-central North Dakota. Killdeer is a rural community with a population of approximately 1,000 people. Killdeer is an agriculturally based community with strong influences from the oil industry. The Agricultural Education Program is not only beneficial to the community but is also of great importance to the stakeholders of the program. The businesses, community, school, and stakeholders all support and provide opportunities for the students to engage in work-based experiences, community service, and unique supervised agricultural experiences. Killdeer is a growing community and school and one in which the Agricultural Education Program and FFA Chapter will continue to prosper and find success.
 
The Killdeer Agricultural Education Program is a comprehensive, two-teacher program. The program offers courses to students in grades 7-12 and has shifted its curriculum offerings to enable students to choose a career pathway. The elective courses available to 11th and 12th grade students provide pathways in Agricultural Mechanics, Plant Systems, Animal Systems, and Food Products & Processing Systems, offering students a total of 15 elective courses during their 11th and 12th grade years. The 2022-23 school year marked the first in a new facility which includes a meat lab, greenhouse, metals shop, carpentry shop, and two classrooms (both fitted with food science equipment). The new facility provides opportunities for more labs and hands-on project-based experiences that will continue to elevate the program’s success.