Lacey Chandler named SGTC Student of Excellence for month of January
Lacey Chandler of Montezuma, an Electronics Technology student at South Georgia Technical College, was named the SGTC Student of Excellence for the month of January during a recent recognition ceremony held in the John M. Pope Industrial Technology Center on the college’s Americus campus.
Chandler, now in her fourth semester of the Electronics Technology program, was nominated for the award by her instructor Mike Collins. Collins presented her with a nomination certificate and spoke to the audience of classmates, instructors, employers and family members about what sets Chandler apart from his other students.
“Lacey is an excellent student and has an excellent work ethic,” Collins said. “She arrives to class everyday on time and she is ready to learn when she gets there. She puts forth one hundred percent in class and she is a real inspiration to her classmates – she truly strives for excellence.”
Chandler accepted the nomination certificate from Collins and thanked him with a speech.
“I didn’t know anything coming into this program. I didn’t know anything about electronics, and I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Chandler said. “But having an instructor like Mr. Collins that encourages you every day makes the difference, and I just thank him for this nomination.”
Chandler is a 2nd generation South Georgia Technical College student. Her parents, Brenda (’73, Administrative Support Assistant) and Don Chandler (’86, Machine Tool Technology) both graduated from the college and encouraged her to consider attending SGTC – a decision Lacey looks to have embraced.
In addition to being a standout student, Chandler is also the Electronics Program’s representative for the Student Government Association and has also earned a co-op position with Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. Upon graduation, she hopes to utilize her degree by working in a full-time capacity with Robins Air Force Base.
After the other nominees were awarded with their nomination certificates, SGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, David Kuipers, announced Chandler as the January Student of Excellence.
“I am just so speechless and honored to be standing up here accepting this award. Thank you so much, Mr. Collins,” she said.
As the winner, Chandler 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. As a bonus and for bragging rights, a Student of Excellence banner will hang in his program area until the next student is named on Feb. 22, 2018.
Each month, students from certain divisions selected for that month are nominated for the Student of Excellence award by their instructors. This month’s ceremony recognized students in industrial technology programs at SGTC. The winner is selected based on a number of criteria, including grades, work ethics, participation in clubs and organizations, and amount of program completion. Each nominee is presented with a certificate and a South Georgia Technical College Student of Excellence T-shirt.
Other nominees included: Shawn M. Tyson of Americus, Air Conditioning Technology; Charles B. Knoll of Americus, Electrical Systems Technology; Charles Westra of Americus, Drafting Technology; Jason Fuller of Mauk, Industrial Systems Technology; Joel C. Barnes of Covington, Machine Tool Technology; and Joseph Woodham of Dawson, Welding and Joining Technology.
Additional nominating instructors included Glynn Cobb, Tyler Wells, Phil Deese, Chad Brown and Ted Eschmann.
As a celebration of the 70th anniversary of South Georgia Technical College (1948-2018), former Student of Excellence, Student of the Month and all alumni are encouraged to share their story on social media using #SGTC70 or by contacting Su Ann Bird in the office of Resource Development at 229.931.2110. South Georgia Tech will be sharing stories of success and encouragement throughout the year to commemorate 70 years of “Celebrating Possibilities.”
Photo Gallery: Student of Excellence, January 2018
Lacey Chandler accepts her nomination certificate from nominating instructor Mike Collins.
Student of Excellence winner Lacey Chandler (center) stands with nominating instructor Mike Collins (right) and SGTC Vice President of Academic Affairs David Kuipers (left) beside the Student of Excellence banner.
Seated from left to right are SGTC Student of Excellence nominees Shawn Tyson, Lacey Chandler, Charles Knoll, Charles Westra, Jason Fuller, Joel Barnes, and Joseph Woodham. Standing from left to right are nominating instructors Glynn Cobb, Mike Collins, Tyler Wells, Phil Deese, Chad Brown and Ted Eschmann.