Kelsi Cannon Awarded With Another SGTC Honor

February 27, 2019

A female stands on the right and accepts a plaque from a man on the left

Kelsi Cannon accepts her Student of Excellence plaque from SGTC vice president of academic affairs David Kuipers. In addition to Student of Excellence, Cannon was also named as the college’s GOAL representative for 2019.

Twenty-one days after being announced as the GOAL winner for South Georgia Technical College (SGTC), Kelsi Cannon of Ellaville is taking home a new title: SGTC Americus Campus’ Student of Excellence, February 2019.

The practical nursing student was awarded the distinction at a recent ceremony in the John M. Pope Center on the college’s Americus campus. Students, friends, instructors and family members of the seven nominated students were in attendance.

The ceremony recognized students in the health and personal services programs, which in addition to Cannon included Tydrik Lasiter of Americus, barbering; Cedric Clark of Americus, cosmetology; Destiny Baker of Ellaville, criminal justice technology; Samantha Long of Americus, culinary arts; Aisha Douglas of Buena Vista, early childhood care and education; and Zaria Greene of Buena Vista, medical assisting.

“I forget how young Kelsi is,” nominating instructor Jennifer Childs said as she introduced her nominee. “She’s so mature for her age that I often forget that she’s only 19 … she’s going to be a great nurse someday and I’m sure that you would be honored to have her take care of you.”

Because she took advantage of the Dual Enrollment program in high school, Cannon came straight into the program after her graduation from Schley County High School, making her one of the few traditional students to be in the program, according to Childs.

“I’m really honored to be receiving this award. There’s no way that I could have gotten it without the support from my friends and family, but also the support that my class gives each other,” Cannon said after she accepted the nomination certificate from Childs. “I’m so thankful this program is offered here, because I am very excited to start my career in nursing and all of this has made it possible. Thank you.”

As the winner, Cannon 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.

The student of excellence is selected based on a number scale, which looks at criteria such as grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion.

Each month, students from certain program areas selected for that month are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors. In addition to Jennifer Childs, nominating instructors included Xavier Jackson, Dorothea McKenzie, Teresa McCook, Ricky Watzlowick, Jaye Cripe and Diana Skipper.