South Georgia Technical College recently honored Margaux Howard of Escondido, CA as the Student of Excellence for January. Howard, a Welding and Joining Technology student, was nominated for the recognition by her instructor, Ted Eschmann.
“She stays ahead in all of her welding work,” Eschmann said of Howard. “Sometimes we have to figure out projects for her to do next. She’s really committed, and that’s what we like to see.”
Howard came into the program with some welding experience, and she thanked her instructors for helping her develop her skills and find her career path, saying “now I have an idea of what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
Other students nominated for the award were Douglas Jones of Perry, Air Conditioning Technology, nominated by Johnny Griffin; Henry Thomas of Smithville, Drafting Technology, nominated by Kristie Hudson; Artavius Warren of Americus, Electrical Systems Technology, nominated by Patrick Owen; Marcus Whaley of Austell, Electronics Technology, nominated by Mike Collins; Emanuel Ambriz of Cairo, Environmental Horticulture, nominated by Brandon Gross; and Riley De Maso of Mauk, Precision Machining and Manufacturing, nominated by Jake Pittman.
Each month, students from certain divisions selected for that month are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors. The Student of Excellence is selected based on a number of criteria, including grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion.
As the winner, Howard was awarded with a plaque of recognition, a personal letter of recommendation from SGTC President Dr. John Watford and a $50 check for her accomplishments. Additionally, her name will be displayed on SGTC’s digital marquee as well as inscribed on a plaque in Hicks Hall among previous Student of Excellence winners. Each nominee was awarded with a nomination certificate and an exclusive student of excellence t-shirt.