South Georgia Technical College held its 2024 Summer High School Equivalency graduation ceremony recently in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the SGTC Americus campus. Twenty-six students earned their General Educational Development (GED) Diploma and were recognized for that accomplishment.
Shown above are the SGTC 2024 High School Equivalency graduates.
James Ingram, a South Georgia Technical College Adult Education Instructor, was the guest speaker at the event, which featured graduates from Sumter, Crisp, Schley, Macon, Marion, and Taylor counties.
Lillie Ann Winn, Dean of Adult Education at SGTC, introduced Ingram. James Ingram is retired from the United States Army and a retiree from the United States Social Security Administration. He is a graduate of The Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. He is also very active in his community.
“Today is the day of your graduation,” said James Ingram. “We acknowledge what you have achieved. You have achieved greatness. Those gowns look good on you. Each of you accepted this challenge. It is not easy to complete four years of high school in four tests. That is basically what achieving your High School Equivalency means.
“This journey is not just a race, it was a marathon. Today, you crossed the finish line and you are a winner. Now the sky is the limit. You have the credentials to get a good job and begin to move forward in your life,” added Ingram. “This diploma will open employment opportunities, continuous educational opportunities, and provide you with perseverance and self-confidence. Spread your wings now and continue your flight.”
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford thanked the graduates and their families and friends for supporting each other and this celebration. “We know that these graduates didn’t do this in a vacuum,” said Dr. Watford. “They had help and support from family and friends, and we appreciate your part in helping them reach this milestone.”
Dr. Watford added that this goal “took commitment and hard work. You had a vision, you set a goal and you accomplished that goal, so this is a time of celebration. Enjoy this moment. You have earned it.” Then he challenged the graduates to always continue learning and encouraged them to continue their education with South Georgia Technical College.
After Ingram’s talk, President Watford, Dean of Adult Education Winn and Adult Education Career Services Specialist Tracy Israel recognized the graduates and presented them with their diplomas and a token of appreciation.
Adult Education Career Services Specialist Tracy Israel delivered the invocation at the ceremony. Lisa Truitt, Adult Education GED Chief Examiner, provided the piano selections including the traditional processional and music for the graduates.
Listed below are the South Georgia Technical College High School Equivalency graduates from the individual counties who earned their GED and the right to participate in the ceremony:
Sumter County
Arthur Bell, Deidra Coffee, Kayla Davis, Aundreka Johnson, Pridja Lester, Justin McCallum, Haley Moran, Tydius Moss, Heidi O’Neal, Brindy Pickell, Amber Shellhouse, William Shiver, Henry Thomas, Gabriellia Toms, and Matthew White;
Crisp County
Shamundalon Glenn, Kayden Sikes, Jaden Stilwell, and Terrell Walker;
Schley County
Aliyah Cox and Austin Cox;
Macon County
Crystal Townes and Trent Weaver;
Taylor County
Riley DeMaso and Tara Reeves;
Marion County
Dylan Burrill
Lillie Ann Winn is the South Georgia Technical College Program Administrator for Adult Education for SDA 15, Lisa Jordan is the Adult Education Administrative Assistant, and Tracy Israel is the Career Services Specialist. Lisa Truitt is the GED Chief Examiner and Rodney Perry, and Shuri Rand are GED Examiners. The South Georgia Tech Adult Education instructors include: Sandra Dantes, Robbie Edalgo, Margie Everett, Lissa Faircloth, Lisa Holloway, James Ingram, Angie Kauffman, Mary King, Margie Martin, Daniel Payne, Tonya Visage, and Mary Wooldridge.
For more information about the Adult Education High School Equivalency classes, contact South Georgia Tech at 229.931.2565.
