Watertown Automotive Teacher Wins $75,000 Prize for Teaching Excellence
Cody Sokolosky, an automotive teacher at Northeast Technical High School in Watertown, SD, has been awarded the $75,000 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The announcement came as a surprise to Sokolosky, who thought he was attending a different event.
The prize includes $25,000 for Sokolosky personally and $50,000 to enhance his school’s automotive program. He expressed enthusiasm about using the funds to improve the shop and support his students.
In his application, Sokolosky highlighted the importance of mentorship in teaching skilled trades. He emphasized that students need assistance in developing emotional resilience as much as technical skills. He integrates various teaching methods in his classroom.
Sokolosky collaborates with local partners who provide motors and vehicles for students to work on, especially during the second semester. A Watertown native, he has been at Northeast Technical High School for four years and previously worked at local auto businesses.
He is one of 25 public high school skilled trades teachers nationwide recognized with this honor, as part of a total of $2 million in cash prizes awarded on the same day.
