WATERTOWN, S.D. – Lake Area Technical College will host a two-day celebration to honor its 2025 graduates and their families on May 15 and 16 in Watertown.
Grad Fest 2025 kicks off at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 15, with a student-led parade from McKinley Park to the Lake Area Tech campus. The parade will follow Kemp Avenue, passing through downtown Watertown and arriving near the Student Center on Arrow Avenue. Each of the school’s academic programs will be represented and organizers encourage the public to help line the parade route and support the students.
Following the parade, the celebration will continue with family-friendly games and live music by the legendary Johnny Holm Band from 5 to 8 p.m. Food will be available for purchase on-site, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities.
On Friday, May 16, nearly 900 students will graduate during Lake Area Tech’s 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. at the Watertown Civic Arena. Tickets are required and the ceremony will be broadcast live on Lake Area Tech’s YouTube channel.
Dr. Jordan Little, chief resident at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, will deliver the keynote address. A Watertown native and former Lake Area Tech adjunct instructor, Dr. Little is a cancer survivor who has dedicated his life to volunteerism. His speech will highlight the importance of perseverance and purpose.
“Graduation is an incredibly special time at Lake Area Tech,” said President Tiffany Sanderson. “It’s a celebration of our students’ hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing friends, family, alumni, and community members both Grad Fest and Commencement.”
For more information on Grad Fest or commencement activities, visit www.lakeareatech.edu or follow Lake Area Tech on social media.
SOURCE: Lake Area Technical College News Release