Blake Oliver of Talbotton recently earned recognition as the South Georgia Technical College overall Student of Excellence for April. Oliver studies Aviation Maintenance Technology and was nominated by his instructor, Paul Pearson.
Pearson introduced Oliver as his program’s nominee saying: “While he’s been here, Blake has gone above and beyond to become proficient as an aviation mechanic.” Pearson also spoke of Copeland’s excellent work ethic and attitude and praised him for excelling as a student while also being a husband and father. “I see him going places in this industry because he applies himself, and he’s real determined to get things done.”
“My time at South Georgia Tech has been invaluable to me thanks to all my instructors and my classmates,” Oliver said upon receiving the Student of Excellence honor. “My instructors have taught me how to conduct myself in the workplace in a professional manner and strive to be the best I can be.”
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. Each month, students from certain divisions selected for that month are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors.
For April, the top students from transportation programs were recognized, including: Ethan Pollock of Cordele, Aircraft Structural Technology, nominated by Jason Wisham; Hayden Pandolfi of Butler, Automotive Technology, nominated by Brandon Dean; David Battle Jr. of Americus, Auto Collision Repair Technology, nominated by Starlyn Sampson; Devum Desai of McDonough, Avionics Maintenance Technology, nominated by Charles Christmas; Kadarious Idlette of Americus, Diesel Equipment Technology, nominated by David Cox; and Ethan Vazquez of Douglasville, Motorsports Vehicle Technology, nominated by Kevin Beaver.
As the winner, Oliver was awarded with a plaque of recognition, a personal letter of recommendation 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. Each nominee was awarded with a nomination certificate and an exclusive student of excellence t-shirt.
Registration for Summer semester at South Georgia Technical College is April 23, and classes begin May 23. Apply now at www.southgatech.edu.
SGTC Student of Excellence winner Blake Oliver (right) with Aviation Maintenance Technology instructor Paul Pearson. 
Pictured are the SGTC Student of Excellence nominees (seated l-r) Ethan Pollock, Blake Oliver, Hayden Pandolfi, David Battle Jr., Devum Desai, Kadarious Idlette, and Ethan Vazquez, and their nominating instructors (standing l-r) Jason Wisham, Paul Pearson, Brandon Dean, Starlyn Sampson, Charles Christmas, David Cox, and Kevin Beaver.