South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) diesel power equipment student Allan Sparling of Sylvester was recently named the Student of Excellence for December. Carter and six other outstanding students were recognized as the top students in their respective program areas and then Carter was selected as the overall Student of Excellence at the ceremony held in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the college’s Americus campus.
Sparling was nominated by SGTC diesel power equipment instructor Chase Shannon. “He’s a hard worker,” Shannon remarked as he introduced Sparling. “He helps his classmates get through projects,” Shannon said in commending Sparling for his teamwork in the course of his studies.
Sparling has competed in SkillsUSA and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. He will complete his coursework this fall and will start his career at Flint Equipment in Albany upon graduating from SGTC in December.
In his acceptance remarks, Sparling thanked his parents for their support as he pursued his education at SGTC. He also thanked his instructors for pushing him to achieve beyond what he thought were his capabilities.
“I decided to enroll in South Georgia Technical College after receiving exceptional word of the diesel program from a service manager where I aspire to be employed,” Sparling said. “Another reason for attending here was that my father and my brother had both graduated from this college.” Sparling noted the high demand for diesel technicians as his main motivation for choosing the diesel power equipment program.
“I am thankful for the resources this college has given me,” Sparling remarked at the conclusion of his comments, “and I look forward to the opportunities of the future.”
Other nominees for the Student of Excellence award were: James Griffin of Oglethorpe (aircraft structural technology); Koby McClelland of Douglas (aviation maintenance technology); Jordan Spires of Leesburg (automotive technology); Reginald Clyde of Dawson (auto collision technology); Ethan Lyle of Fayetteville (avionics); and Brant Bell of Buford (motorsports vehicle technology).
In addition to Chase Shannon, other nominating instructors were: Jason Wisham (aircraft structural technology); Paul Pearson (aviation maintenance technology); Brandon Dean (automotive technology); Starlyn Sampson (auto collision technology); Charles Christmas (avionics); and Kevin Beaver (motorsports vehicle technology).
All of the students chosen as students of the month from their respective programs received a t-shirt and certificate in recognition of their outstanding work. As the overall Student of excellence, Sparling also received an engraved plaque from SGTC President Dr. John Watford and a $50 check for his accomplishments. Additionally, his 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.